From the mountains of Northern Spain hails this very
hardy, at least
zone 5, perennial foxglove.
In late Spring to mid Summer, the dark green
basal rosettes produce
12"-24" spikes of small, dense, primrose yellow flowers in
abundance. I've been
pleased with it's performance in full shade to full sun. No
special requirements
as far as soil or moisture conditions make Digitalis
parviflora a no
brainer.
I've been growing her for about 10 years now and she
continues to brighten
shady areas of my garden with a wonderful self sown colony
that provides copious
amounts of seed and new plants every year.
Digitalis species are the source of one of the
most commonly used
heart drugs. According to a National Heart, Lung, and Blood
Institute
(NHLBI)-supported clinical trial, they found that the
drug, also called
digoxin, eases symptoms for those with heart failure,
helping to keep them out
of the hospital.
While I can't recommend taking the plant
medicinally, the sight of a
colony in full flower could cause heart
palpitations, I do encourage
you to grow it for it's ornamental beauty.