How to Grow Foxglove Apricot
Wikimedia Commons
Foxglove Apricot
Digitalis × mertonensis 'Apricot'
flowerFoxglove Apricot is a hybrid digitalis variety prized for its stunning apricot to peachy-pink tubular flowers arranged in dense spikes. This biennial to short-lived perennial produces tall, dramatic flower spikes that add vertical interest and cottage garden charm to borders and mixed plantings. The plant is reliably seed-producing and beloved by pollinators, particularly bees.
When should you plant Foxglove Apricot in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Foxglove Apricot timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Foxglove Apricot
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Foxglove Apricot blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Foxglove Apricot dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8; can be grown as annual in warmer zones
Sign up free to see if Foxglove Apricot grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Foxglove Apricot timeline →Growth Stages
Seed to Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seeds germinate in 10-14 days at cool temperatures (60-70°F). Seedlings develop true leaves and slowly establish a rosette of basal foliage.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Do not bury seeds. Thin seedlings to proper spacing early.
First-Year Rosette
6-8 monthsPlant develops a low basal rosette of large, lance-shaped green leaves with prominent veining. No flowering occurs in year one as plant establishes roots and energy reserves.
Water regularly during dry spells. Mulch lightly to retain moisture. Remove any flower spikes if they form (pinch them off). Protect from harsh winter winds with a cold frame if in zone 3.
Spring Growth
4-6 weeksIn the second spring, a thick flower spike emerges from the center of the rosette, rapidly elongating with buds forming along its length. The plant's energy shifts entirely to flowering.
Ensure consistent moisture as spike develops. Stake tall varieties if in windy locations. Apply balanced fertilizer or dilute compost tea monthly. Remove lower leaves to improve air circulation.
Flowering
4-6 weeksDense spikes of apricot-pink to coral tubular flowers open progressively from bottom to top over 3-4 weeks. Each flower has spotted throats and speckled interiors. Plant height reaches 3-5 feet.
Deadhead spent flowers from bottom upward to encourage continued blooming and extend display. Stake as needed. Keep soil moist. Leave some flowers if you want seeds to self-sow. Bees and hummingbirds actively visit.
Seed Development & Decline
6-8 weeksAfter flowers fade, seed pods form along the spike and ripen to brown papery capsules. Plant foliage begins to decline. Seeds mature over 4-6 weeks before capsules dry and split.
Leave seed pods on plant if self-sowing is desired; collect and store seeds in envelopes in cool, dry place. Allow plants to naturally decline; remove completely after frost. Deadhead entirely if you wish to prevent self-seeding.
Common Pests
-
Hand-pick in early morning; use row covers on young plants; apply neem oil or kaolin clay spray if infestation is heavy
-
and
Remove debris and mulch where pests hide; set out beer traps; apply diatomaceous earth around base; hand-pick at dusk
-
Increase humidity by misting; spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5-7 days if needed
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings
-
Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly; remove affected leaves; apply sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide; avoid overhead watering
Uses
NOT for consumption
CulinaryFoxglove contains cardiac glycosides (digitalis compounds) and is highly toxic if ingested. All parts of the plant—leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots—contain dangerous cardiac toxins. This plant is strictly ornamental and must be kept away from children and pets. [source]
Historical pharmaceutical source
MedicinalDigitalis species have a long history in herbal medicine and modern cardiology. The cardiac glycosides in foxglove (digoxin and digitoxin) were isolated and became the basis for FDA-approved heart medications used to treat atrial fibrillation and heart failure. Modern medical use only; home use is dangerous and illegal without prescription. [source]
Cottage garden ornament
HouseholdFoxglove Apricot is prized for creating traditional cottage garden aesthetics with its tall, elegant flower spikes. The striking apricot color adds warmth to borders, works beautifully in mixed perennial plantings, and creates dramatic vertical accents in garden designs. Excellent for cutting and also drying for arrangements. [source]
Pollinator magnet
WildlifeFoxglove flowers are highly attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The tall spikes provide excellent nectar sources in late spring to early summer when many pollinators are active. The spotted throats inside the flowers serve as 'landing guides' directing pollinators to nectar. [source]
Cut and dried flower arranging
CraftFresh foxglove spikes are striking in tall arrangements and vases, lasting 7-10 days in water. Dried flower spikes retain their color and form beautifully for dried arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Allow flowers to fully mature on the spike before harvesting for longest vase life. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Foxgloves are grown for ornamental flowering, not harvesting for consumption. For cut flowers, harvest spikes when the bottom third of flowers are open; place in tall vase with floral preservative. For seeds, allow pods to fully dry on plant, then collect by snapping off capsules and storing in paper envelopes in a cool, dry place. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Foxglove Apricot is a hybrid digitalis (Digitalis × mertonensis), making it more reliably perennial and floriferous than species digitalis; it was created by plant breeders in the 20th century
- 🌱 The name 'foxglove' has unclear origins—theories include that foxes used the bell-shaped flowers as dens, or that the name derives from 'fairy gloves' in folklore; medieval herbalists called them 'folk's glove'
- 🌱 Digitalis was used in traditional Welsh and English herbalism for centuries before its cardiovascular effects were scientifically studied in the 1700s by botanist William Withering, leading to modern heart medications
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Foxglove Apricot planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Foxglove Apricot seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Foxglove Apricot timeline →