Rehmannia Elata

Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia Elata)

Enjoy the beauty of Rehmannia Elata, the Chinese Foxglove, blooming in its very first year! This upright perennial sends up tall flowering stalks adorned with striking bright rose trumpet-shaped flowers, approximately 4 inches long, featuring distinctive yellow spotted throats reminiscent of Mimulus or Foxgloves.

The charming blooms rise from a low, mat-like rosette of deeply toothed, ovate, gray-green leaves, which remain evergreen in mild climates. Flourishing in full sun to light shade and well-drained, organically rich soils, Rehmannia elata is also drought-tolerant once established. Provide afternoon shade in hot summer regions to ensure its best performance.

Key Features of Rehmannia Elata:

• Blooms in First Year: Enjoy flowers quickly after planting.
• Bright Rose Trumpet Flowers: Striking, 4-inch long blooms with yellow spotted throats.
• Long Blooming Season: Blooms from mid-spring to fall in mild climates, and summer to fall in colder areas.
• Attractive Foliage: Low rosette of deeply toothed, gray-green leaves (evergreen in mild climates).
• Upright Habit: Grows to 2-4 feet tall.
• Drought-Tolerant (Established): Requires less watering once it matures.
• Versatile Light Needs: Thrives in full sun to light shade.

Growing Tips for Your Rehmannia Elata Seeds:

Sow seeds indoors in late winter or early spring. Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed-starting mix and lightly press them in, as light may aid germination. Maintain a temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C). Germination typically takes 14-21 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions before planting out in spring after the last frost.

Choose a location with full sun to light shade and well-drained, organically rich soil. Provide afternoon shade in hot summer climates. Water regularly until established, then water moderately as needed. Watch for slugs and snails. You can also propagate by softwood cuttings in spring or root cuttings in late autumn.