Snow Thimble Foxglove

Snow Thimble Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble')

Snow Thimble Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble') is a striking, first year flowering foxglove admired for tall spires of pure white, outward facing bells with lightly textured throats. Clean, luminous color and strong vertical lines bring crisp elegance to cottage borders, mixed beds, and large containers from late spring into midsummer in sunny to lightly shaded, well drained sites.

Distinctive Features

Sturdy, well branched stems carry dense racemes of snow white blooms that show clearly from a distance; the pristine palette pairs effortlessly with pastels or bold companions while the uniform habit and early bloom deliver reliable garden impact.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Soil: Rich, well drained, moisture retentive soil; avoid soggy conditions.
• Water: Moderate and even moisture during bud and bloom.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 (often grown as a short lived perennial or biennial).
• Mature Size: About 30 to 48 inches tall and 15 to 24 inches wide.
• Bloom Time: Late spring to midsummer, with side shoot rebloom when deadheaded.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Tall white spires add vertical architecture and high visibility contrast.
• Cottage Borders: Blends beautifully with roses, salvia, nepeta, and geraniums.
• Back of Border: Uniform height frames mixed plantings without overwhelming.
• Pollinator Gardens: Nectar rich bells welcome bees and hummingbirds.
• Large Containers: Strong stems and clean color provide patio impact.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during active growth; water deeply but infrequently once established.
• Deadheading: Remove spent spikes to promote side shoots and extend flowering; allow a few to seed if naturalizing.
• Fertilizing: Top dress with compost in spring or apply a light, balanced slow release fertilizer.
• Staking: Usually unnecessary; stake only in very windy exposures.
• Safety: All parts are toxic if ingested; site away from pets and children and wear gloves when handling.

Why Choose Snow Thimble Foxglove?

• Pure White Blooms: Crisp, luminous color brightens borders and pairs with any palette.
• First Year Flowers: Dependable early color with a long bloom window.
• Strong Garden Presence: Sturdy spikes and outward facing bells read from a distance.
• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and hummingbirds while typically deer resistant.
• Versatile Design: Works in formal, cottage, and modern schemes alike.

Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble' delivers pristine white bloom, reliable first season performance, and a polished habit, offering weeks of vertical drama and pollinator activity in well drained, sunny to lightly shaded gardens.