Foxglove: How to Grow and Care with Success
Digitalis purpurea, Digitalis grandiflora, Digitalis lutea, Digitalis lutea, Digitalis parviflora, Digitalis x mertonensis, Digitalis x mertonensis
What is Foxglove?
Foxglove (Digitalis) is a tall, showy biennial or perennial plant that belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. It is native to Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa but has naturalized in many parts of the world.
Growth Habit: Foxglove grows up to 5 feet (150 cm) tall, depending on the variety. Biennial foxgloves form a basal rosette of leaves in its first year and produce a tall stem of flowers in their second year.
Hardiness: Most foxglove varieties are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9. They grow best in cool, moist climates and do not tolerate hot and humid conditions.
Flowers and Blooming Season: The flowers of foxglove are tubular and bell-shaped, and they come in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. The plant blooms in late spring to mid-summer, depending on the climate and the variety.
Uses: Foxglove is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in cottage gardens, borders, and woodland areas. Foxglove is also the source of the cardiac medication digitalis, which is derived from the plant's leaves and is used to treat heart conditions.
Toxicity: All parts of the foxglove plant, including the leaves, flowers, and seeds, are highly toxic if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeats and heart failure. It is important to handle the plant with care and keep it away from children and pets.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
4 - 9
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Digitalis - Foxgloves |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Joe Kuis/Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
4 - 9
|
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Digitalis - Foxgloves |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |