Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain

Description

Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain is a stunning perennial plant that is native to Europe. It is also known as Foxglove and is a member of the Plantaginaceae family. The plant features bell-shaped flowers that bloom in early summer and come in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow. It grows up to 3 feet tall and 1.5 feet wide.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain plant has a tall, upright growth habit and features lance-shaped leaves that are slightly hairy. The leaves grow up to 10 inches long and 2 inches wide. The flowers grow on a spike and each bloom is about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. The blooms are tubular in shape and have 5 petals. They come in shades of white, pink, purple, and yellow, and are dotted with dark spots inside. The plant blooms in early summer and can continue blooming throughout the season.

Care Guide

For optimal growth, the Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain plant requires regular watering and fertilization. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, and should be planted in full sun to partial shade. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Water

The plant prefers moist soil, but does not like standing water. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist.

Fertilization

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to feed the plant in the spring. Repeat the application in mid-summer to keep the plant healthy and thriving.

Soil

The Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting to give the plant a healthy start.

Sunlight

The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant it in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth.

Hardiness Zones

The Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8. It can tolerate cold temperatures down to -30 °F.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain plant is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:

Pests

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Slugs and snails

Diseases

• Crown rot
• Leaf spot
• Root rot

To prevent these issues, keep the plant healthy and well-watered. Remove any dead or diseased foliage promptly, and treat pest infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Habitat

The Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain plant is native to Europe and can be found growing in meadows, woodlands, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of temperatures and growing conditions.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain poisonous?

A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Keep it away from children and pets.

Q: Can Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain be grown in containers?

A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has sufficient space and drainage.

Q: How often should I fertilize Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain?

A: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to feed the plant in the spring. Repeat the application in mid-summer to keep the plant healthy and thriving.

Q: Can Digitalis Purpurea Candy Mountain tolerate cold temperatures?

A: Yes, the plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 and can tolerate cold temperatures down to -30 °F.

Related Plants

• Digitalis Grandiflora
• Digitalis Lanata
• Digitalis Lutea
• Digitalis Purpurea

References

• Gardening Know How. (2021). Foxglove Candy Mountain: How To Grow A Candy Mountain Foxglove. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/foxglove/foxglove-candy-mountain.htm
• RHS. (2021). Digitalis purpurea ‘Candy Mountain’. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/148153/Digitalis-purpurea-Candy-Mountain/Details
• University of Maryland Extension. (n.d.). Foxglove. Retrieved from https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/foxglove