Digitalis obscura aka Willow Leaf Foxglove

Digitalis obscura is a foxglove native to Spain. Its common names include willow-leaved foxglove and sunset foxglove. It belongs to the plantain family, Plantaginaceae. This perennial forms a woody base and a small, shrubby clump. Garden plants often reach 1–2 feet (0.3–0.6 metres) tall. Some reach about 3 feet (0.9 metres). RHS gives an upper height of 3.3 feet (1 metre). Plants spread about 0.75–1.5 feet (0.23–0.46 metres).

The long, narrow leaves give this foxglove its willow-like look. They are grey-green, hairless, and leathery, with smooth edges. Leaves form a basal rosette and also line the stems. The leafy stems rise above the clump to carry flowers. Sources describe the foliage as either deciduous or partly evergreen. This means leaf cover may not persist throughout the year.

Flowers open from May to June, sometimes lasting into midsummer. They hang in racemes at the tips of stems. Each bloom forms a tube that widens into a funnel. Colours range from rusty orange and brown to greenish yellow. Red veins and spots mark the inside of each flower. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the blooms. Cutting off faded spikes can prompt more flowers on side shoots. Leaving some spikes allows seed to form and plants to self-sow.

Grow it in well-drained soil, with partial shade or sun. It accepts sand, loam, chalk, and clay, but not wet clay. Gritty soil suits it, and drainage matters most in winter. Soggy ground can rot the woody crown and kill plants. Sources differ on how much drought it will bear. North Carolina State notes drought tolerance; RHS advises against very dry sites. Water deeply without keeping the soil constantly wet. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 4–8; RHS rates it H3. The flower spikes suit borders, cottage gardens, and open woodland. Dark shrubs or walls help the flowers stand out.

Care is light, but pests and leaf diseases can occur. Watch for aphids, mealybugs, slugs, and Japanese beetles. Mildews and leaf spots can spoil the foliage. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone. Its leaves and flowers contain toxic glycosides. Eating them can cause gut upset and dangerous heart rhythms. Severe poisoning can cause seizures, collapse, or death. RHS also warns that it poisons pets. Historical medicinal uses include heart treatment and increased urine flow. These uses do not make it safe to eat.