Digitalis lutea aka Straw Foxglove

Digitalis lutea is a perennial in the Plantaginaceae family. Gardeners call it straw foxglove or small yellow foxglove. It comes from central Europe and grows in temperate climates. Its recorded range includes France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and nearby countries. Wild plants grow in woods, hedges, and uncultivated fields. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This upright plant forms clumps and loses its leaves in winter. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. The RHS description gives around 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Clumps spread up to 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] wide. The narrow, oval leaves have a glossy, mid-green surface. Chicago describes the foliage as rough and blue-green. Plants take two to five years to reach full size.

Leafy flower spikes rise above the clumps in summer. They carry pale yellow trumpets that nod from firm stems. Each flower reaches about 0.1 feet [0.03 metres] long. The RHS reports a long summer flowering season. Chicago gives July to August as its bloom time. Strong summer winds may break stems, so some plants need stakes. Cutting off fading main spikes can prompt flowering side shoots. The flowers draw hummingbirds, and Chicago also notes bird interest.

Partial shade suits this foxglove, though it tolerates sun and full shade. Give it humus-rich soil that drains well but stays moist. Neutral or alkaline soil suits it, with alkaline soil preferred. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sand. Avoid ground that stays very wet or becomes very dry. Moderate watering meets its garden needs. The RHS rates it H6 for UK hardiness. Chicago lists USDA zones 3–9. Divide plants in early spring, or sow seed in late spring. Sow the seed in pots in a cold frame.

Use it in cottage gardens, mixed borders, or woodland edges. It also fits beneath roses and shrubs in partial shade. Chicago reports that deer tend to leave it alone. Aphids and leaf and bud eelworms may attack it. Leaf spot and powdery mildew can also cause trouble. All parts are poisonous, with risks to people and pets. It has no known edible use. Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling it. PFAF records medicinal use for heart conditions and increased urine flow. Those records do not make it safe to eat. PFAF also records its use to help cut flowers last longer.