How to Grow Foxy Mixed Colors

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Foxy Mixed Colors

Digitalis purpurea 'Foxy Mixed Colors'

flower

Foxy Mixed Colors is a stunning dwarf variety of foxglove featuring vibrant tubular flowers in mixed hues of pink, purple, white, and red on compact plants. This biennial or short-lived perennial grows 24-30 inches tall and produces dramatic spires of spotted, bell-shaped blooms ideal for cottage gardens and cut flower arrangements. The striking flowers attract hummingbirds and bees while adding vertical interest to garden beds.

Looking for a specific variety?

Foxy Mixed Colors Foxy Rose Foxy Purple Foxy White

When should you plant Foxy Mixed Colors in your zone?

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Example Foxy Mixed Colors timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Foxy Mixed Colors
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
First Foxy Mixed Colors blooms
Mid-to-late summer

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Foxy Mixed Colors dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Partial shade to full sun; prefers 4-6 hours of sun daily, afternoon shade in hot climates

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Water: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly during growing season; reduce in winter. Drought-tolerant once established but performs better with regular moisture.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days to flowering from seed (typically flowers in second year as biennial)

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Planting depth: Press seeds lightly into soil surface or just barely cover with 1/8 inch of soil; seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil, tolerates poor to moderately fertile soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage Sand if soil is heavy clay

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; performs best in cooler climates (zones 3-6)

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

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Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge 10-14 days after sowing with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing

Keep soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding. Maintain temperatures around 65-70°F for optimal germination.

Rosette (First Year)

4-6 months

Plant develops a compact basal rosette of fuzzy, lance-shaped green leaves close to the ground; no flowering occurs

Water regularly but avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases. Remove any diseased leaves. Mulch lightly around plants. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.

Bolt & Bud Formation (Second Year)

3-4 weeks

Central flower spike emerges and elongates, with flower buds forming densely along the tall stem

Support tall spikes with stakes if needed, especially in windy areas. Ensure consistent moisture. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering over leaf growth.

Flowering

4-8 weeks

Tubular flowers open sequentially from bottom to top in mixed colors with spotted throats; flowers are 1-1.5 inches long

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if desired. Water at soil level to keep flowers dry. Stake taller varieties if needed.

Seed Development & Decline

3-4 weeks

After flowering completes, seed pods develop. Plant energy shifts to seed production and foliage begins to decline.

Allow some flowers to remain if self-seeding is desired. Collect seed pods before they split open. Remove plant after seeds mature or leave for volunteer seedlings next year.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Salvia Catmint Alliums Delphiniums Roses Campanula Lavender Lupines Coral bells Black-eyed Susan

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Kochia

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs; remove heavily infested leaves
Improve air circulation with pruning; water at soil level only; apply sulfur fungicide or baking soda spray; avoid overhead watering
Remove infected leaves promptly; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe; ensure good drainage
Mist plants to increase humidity; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily affected leaves
Hand-pick early morning; use beetle traps away from garden; apply neem oil or spinosad

Uses

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Traditional herbal tea

Culinary

Foxglove was historically used in herbal preparations, though it is toxic and should never be consumed. Modern herbalists recognize its powerful cardiac glycosides and do not recommend internal use. [source]

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Cardiac medicine history

Medicinal

Digitalis purpurea is the source of digitoxin and digoxin, medications used to treat heart conditions. This important pharmaceutical use led to extensive cultivation for pharmaceutical purposes. [source]

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Cut flowers and arrangements

Household

The tall spikes of mixed-colored tubular flowers make striking additions to cut flower arrangements and cottage garden displays. Their vertical form provides excellent structure in bouquets. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Foxglove flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and bumblebees, which are drawn to the nectar-rich tubular flowers. The spotted throat markings guide pollinators to the flower's center. [source]

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Garden design and landscaping

Craft

The compact Foxy Mixed Colors variety is ideal for cottage gardens, borders, and mixed beds where vertical color and texture are desired. Its biennial nature allows for successive plantings of self-sown seedlings. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut flowers for arrangements when 1-2 flowers at the bottom have opened; cut in early morning for longest vase life (7-10 days). For seed collection, allow flowers to mature fully and seed pods to brown; cut stems before pods split and dry indoors. Seeds remain viable for 2+ years.

Fun Facts

🌱 Foxy Mixed Colors is a dwarf variety bred specifically to bloom in its first year from seed, unlike traditional foxglove biennials that require two years—making it more practical for gardeners wanting immediate color.
🌱 The name 'foxglove' may derive from 'folk's glove' referring to fairies in Celtic folklore, or from the finger-like projection inside the flowers that resembles a glove; the spotted throat patterns actually serve as 'landing guides' for pollinating bees.
🌱 Digitalis purpurea contains over 30 different cardiac glycosides; a single leaf contains enough toxin to be dangerous if ingested, yet it revolutionized heart medicine when introduced in the 1700s and remains important in cardiology today.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Biennial Deadhead Full Sun Germination Mulch Partial Shade Perennial True Leaves

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