Willow Leaf Foxglove "Sunset"

Sunset Foxglove (Willow Leaf Foxglove) - Digitalis obscura.
Perennial.
Family: Scrofulariaceae.
Origin: Spain.
An interesting undersized species with beige-brown flowers suitable for dry compositions.
Flowering plant height: 45 cm.
Distance between plants: 30 cm.
Natural flowering period: July - September.
Winter hardiness zones: Z4 - Z8.
Attracts bumblebees. All parts of the plant are slightly poisonous to warm-blooded animals.

It has narrow, evergreen leaves, and it blooms in June with sunset-red and yellow flowers with red veins and spots. Digitalis obscura is fairly drought tolerant, unlike common foxgloves. It s well suited to rock gardens with good drainage. It s a little slow getting started, but it s a reliable perennial once established.
Family: Scrophulariaceae.
Special Features: Interesting, low-growing species with beige-brown blooms and seed stalks that are useful for dried arrangements.
History: Species has had pharmaceutical interest for treatment of heart conditions and as a diuretic. All plant parts are poisonous.
Colour: Beige-brown.
Natural Flowering Period: July - September.
Winter Hardiness Zones: Z4-8.
Growth Habit: Upright.
Foliage: Grey-green, willow-like leaves
Height with Flowers: 45 cm.
Spacing between Plants: 30 cm.
Soil Requirements: Gritty, well-drained soils, pH 5.8 - 7.2.
Location: Full sun.
Use: Plant in containers, the rock garden or the front of the border with Coreopsis "Sunshine Superman", Stipa tenuissima and Stachys "Silky Fleece".
Specialities: Deer resistant and attracts bumblebees.
Cultural Tips: Grams per 1000 Seeds: 0,435. Seeds per Gram: 2300.
Seeding Recommendation: 1 g / 1000 plants. Sowing Rate: 2 seeds per cell. Plug tray recommended size(s): 128, 288.
Germination: Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20°C. Do not cover the seed but tightly press into the earth. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs.
Scheduling:
Best Sowing Dates: Anytime Sowing to Germination: 2 - 3 weeks. Germination to Transplant: 4 - 6 weeks. Transplanting to Salable Plant: 4 - 6 weeks.
Cutting-Back at Transplanting: Cut-back once to keep more compact.
Growing On: Container Size(s): 1 plug per 8/9 cm ; 1-2 plugs per 11/12 cm.
Vernalization: A prudent recommendation would be to provide 6-12 weeks at an average daily temperature of 5°C. Exposure to cold may not be necessary for flowering but might improve quality.
Forcing: An obvious place to experiment - following vernalization - would be raising daytime temperatures to 15° - 17°C. Provide 16 hours of continuous lighting. During the short days of winter, provide a night interruption lighting of 4 hours between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Fertilization: Light (100-150 ppm).

Gram to per 1000 plants = 1,0 g.
* Rapidly germinating, keep seed in constant moisture (not wet) with temperatures of about +20 °C. Seeds must be covered thinly. Do not cover very small seeds, but tightly press into the earth. Keep in cooler conditions after germination occurs.

Sunset Foxglove, Willow Leaf Foxglove, Dusky Maid.