Digiplexis ‘Illumination Raspberry’

This tropical-looking plant is the result of some innovative breeding. It’s a cross of North American foxglove (digitalis) and isoplexis, a foxglove relative from the Canary Islands. ‘Illumination Raspberry’ has a digitalis-like look but with a strong branching habit.

Notice all the tall flower spikes—digiplexis has multiple stalks whereas standard digitalis only has one. If you cut this variety back it will bloom with even more stalks. The colorful flowers last for weeks, too, instead of mere days like those of ordinary foxglove. 

Rosettes of glossy, dark green foliage—handed down from Digitalis purpurea—create an attractive backdrop for the exotic flowers. Isoplexis canariensis can be credited for the bright fuchsia pink blooms lined with speckled peach. 

Expect this selection to reach a dramatic 3 feet tall with a spread of around 2 feet. ‘Illumination Raspberry’ blooms strongly all summer, even in August after other tall selections fade. It’s a nice alternative to the tropicals we’re left to choose from in the summer heat—some can simply get too big. 

Digiplexis is great for the middle to the back of the garden where you need to raise up the color a bit, or for planting en masse in the landscape. It’s compact so it stays neat and tidy in containers, too. We like that it has a nice perennial herbaceous look even though the plant is an annual. 

‘Illumination Raspberry’ performs well in full sun to partial shade and requires average water—be consistent. Unlike our standard foxglove, this plant is sterile and will not reseed.

We grow ‘Illumination Raspberry’ in the true gallon size.