Foxy is the foxglove that does not make you wait: it blooms its first year from an early planting, sending up two to three foot spires of speckled, thimble-shaped bells in pinks, whites, and creams. Bumblebees climb in and out of the flowers all day.

Plant it in rich, moist but drained soil with morning sun and afternoon shade in Birmingham. Set plants out in fall or early spring so the spikes finish ahead of July heat. Deer and rabbits leave foxgloves entirely alone. Let a spike seed out for next year's volunteers.