Is SUNSET Foxglove good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, SUNSET Foxglove is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

What should I know before planting SUNSET Foxglove?

The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.

How far apart do I plant SUNSET Foxglove?

Space SUNSET Foxglove about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.

Is SUNSET Foxglove hardy on the Front Range?

SUNSET Foxglove is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.

How much water does SUNSET Foxglove need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

Is SUNSET Foxglove safe for dogs?

No. SUNSET Foxglove is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.

How long does SUNSET Foxglove bloom?

SUNSET Foxglove blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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SUNSET Foxglove

Digitalis obscura 'Sunset'

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

SUNSET Foxglove (Digitalis obscura 'Sunset') is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 18 to 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Shrubby foxglove with sunset-colored flowers; not as toxic-touch as common foxglove but still avoid ingestion.

Plant Select®low to medium water18 to 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wideXeric / water-wiseToxic to dogs

Photos

Photo 1: (c) frangp, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 2: Cillas, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 3: John Lindley, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
Photo 4: John Sims (1749-1831), Wikimedia Commons (PD)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: loam, sandy, well drained only
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 18 to 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide
Planting spacing: ~13 to 18 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late spring, early summer, mid summer
Bloom color: orange, yellow, red
Bloom length: Long (several weeks)
Foliage: Deciduous

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Things to know before you plant

Toxic to dogsConsidered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is SUNSET Foxglove good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, SUNSET Foxglove is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
What should I know before planting SUNSET Foxglove?: The main things to know: Considered toxic to dogs, so keep pets away from it and check with your vet.
How big does SUNSET Foxglove get?: It matures to about 18 to 24 in tall and 12 to 18 in wide.
How far apart do I plant SUNSET Foxglove?: Space SUNSET Foxglove about 13 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 18 in apart for a looser planting.
Is SUNSET Foxglove hardy on the Front Range?: SUNSET Foxglove is hardy in USDA 4 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does SUNSET Foxglove need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is SUNSET Foxglove safe for dogs?: No. SUNSET Foxglove is considered toxic to dogs. Keep pets away and check with your vet.
How long does SUNSET Foxglove bloom?: SUNSET Foxglove blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.