Foxgloves, belonging to the genus Digitalis, are known for their tall flower spikes. They are recognized for their tubular, bell-shaped flowers that hang downward along the stem. These blooms bring a strong vertical element to gardens and are a popular choice in cottage-style landscaping.
The Core Color Palette
The most common and naturally occurring colors of foxgloves originate from the species Digitalis purpurea, often referred to as the common foxglove. The primary colors found in the wild are various shades of purple and pink, alongside pure white flowers. The Latin species name purpurea refers to the purple color, which is generally the most prevalent shade.
These colors range from a deep, almost magenta purple to lighter lavender and soft rosy-pink hues. The color can sometimes change slightly as the flowers age on the stem, moving toward a deeper tone. White varieties, such as the cultivar ‘Alba’, offer a clean, contrasting presence in the garden against the dominance of the darker shades.
Specialized and Hybrid Hues
Beyond the basic purple, pink, and white, specialized species and modern hybridization have expanded the available color range. Species like Digitalis grandiflora or Digitalis lutea naturally introduce yellow into the palette, providing a base for cultivators to develop soft yellow flowers. Other cultivated varieties have introduced warm tones like cream, apricot, and peach.
Cultivars such as ‘Sutton’s Apricot’ feature pale apricot-orange or creamy salmon-pink flowers. These specialized hues result from crossing different foxglove species, such as the hybrid D. x mertonensis, created by crossing D. purpurea with the yellow-flowered D. grandiflora to produce coppery-pink blooms.
Internal Markings and Patterns
A defining characteristic of foxglove coloration is the presence of internal markings. Inside the tubular corolla, most varieties display a pattern of spots or freckles, often referred to as “nectar guides.” These markings are typically dark purple or maroon and are frequently edged with a lighter color, usually white. The spots serve a functional purpose by visually guiding the plant’s primary pollinator, the large bumblebee, toward the nectar source.
The pattern acts like a landing strip, directing the bee deep into the flower tube. As the bee pushes past the spots to reach the nectar, its body brushes against the anthers, facilitating the transfer of pollen. In many common purple and pink foxgloves, the dark purple spots are concentrated on the lower lip of the flower, which serves as the bee’s landing platform.
The density and color of these markings can vary significantly, with some spots being sparse while others are heavily maculated. These internal patterns are an important part of the foxglove’s reproductive strategy.