Digitalis 'Dalmatian Purple'
Best vertical accent for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, pest-resistant floral color.
The Digitalis 'Dalmatian Purple' Foxglove is a vigorous, heavy-blooming perennial that brightens gardens with its early flowering. It produces striking spikes of rich purple, bell-shaped blooms, each accented with maroon-purple spots. Growing to about 20 inches tall, this upright plant provides excellent vertical color for borders and containers. It thrives in zones 5-9, preferring moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. This variety attracts hummingbirds while naturally deterring deer and rabbits due to its toxicity.
$12.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
837
/ 3086
#837 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Mature Height
20
/ inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking bold vertical color and dramatic contrast
- Impatient growers wanting immediate first-year floral results
- Conservationists building habitats for hummingbirds and native bees
Who should skip it
- Families with curious toddlers or roaming household pets
- Gardeners desiring long-term, low-maintenance perennial plantings
- Busy homeowners looking for strictly hands-off garden maintenance
Performance breakdown
Bloom density
Heavy, consistent flowering creates a high-impact visual display for borders.
Pest resistance
Natural toxicity keeps deer and rabbits away from your garden beds.
Pollinator appeal
Vibrant tubular blooms act as a magnet for local hummingbirds.
Ease of establishment
Early flowering without vernalization makes for a stress-free planting experience.
Versatility of placement
Compact upright habit works perfectly in both containers and tight borders.
Soil adaptability
Thrives across a wide range of soil types and pH levels.
Key Specs
Mature Height
20 inches
Mature Width
14 inches
Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Soil
Normal, loamy, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Alkaline
Genus
Digitalis
Species
purpurea
Growth Habit
Upright
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Features
- Heavy blooming with pastel-toned flowers
- Blooms early without vernalization
- Attractive to hummingbirds
- Unpalatable to deer and rabbits
- Easy care and free blooming
- Repeat bloomer for extended interest
- Tolerant of various soil types
- Excellent for borders and containers
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional vigor and health of the 'Dalmatian Purple' Digitalis upon arrival. The primary delight centers on the plant's reliable first year blooming, a significant advantage for foxgloves. Reviewers frequently highlight the stunning, true purple color and impressive height, noting that the plants establish quickly and provide immediate garden impact. This variety offers superior performance and aesthetic value, making it a highly recommended choice for adding vertical interest and rich color to borders.
Know before you buy
No, this variety is unique because it blooms early without the need for vernalization, or a cold dormant period, which is often required by other foxgloves.
Yes, this variety is naturally unpalatable to deer and rabbits due to its toxicity, making it a reliable choice for gardens prone to wildlife browsing.
Since the 'Dalmatian Purple' reaches a mature width of 14 inches, you should space them at least 14 to 16 inches apart to ensure proper air circulation and growth.
Absolutely. Its compact 20-inch height and upright growth habit make it an excellent candidate for containers, provided you use a well-draining potting mix.
It is quite versatile and thrives in both full sun and partial shade. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade will help keep the plant and soil moisture levels consistent.
The 'Dalmatian Purple' is hardy in zones 5 through 9. In these regions, it will return year after year, though its performance as a perennial can be influenced by local soil drainage and winter conditions.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$13