Foxglove: How to Grow and Care with Success

Why Should I Grow Foxglove?

Foxglove is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a stunning visual impact to any garden or landscape. Here are some reasons why you might want to consider growing it:

Height and Structure: The tall spikes of flowers can provide height and structure to garden beds and borders, creating a stunning visual impact.

Easy to Grow: Foxglove is relatively easy to grow as long as it is planted in well-drained soil and provided with partial shade to full sun.

Attracts Pollinators: This plant is a favorite of bumblebees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.

Medicinal Uses: Foxglove is the source of the cardiac medication digitalis, which is derived from the plant’s leaves and is used to treat heart conditions.

Perennial Plant: Some varieties are perennial, meaning they can come back year after year, providing a reliable source of color and interest in the garden.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Foxglove is toxic to deer and rabbits and is typically avoided by these animals, making it a great choice for gardens in areas with high populations of these pests.

Overall, foxglove is a beautiful and versatile plant that can provide color, interest, and structure to any garden or landscape. Its medicinal uses and ability to attract pollinators also make it a unique and valuable addition to any garden.

Main Foxglove Types

Foxgloves are popular, showy flowering plants known for their tall, bell-shaped flowers and striking colors. They are often found in cottage gardens, woodland gardens, or as naturalized plants. The following are some main types of foxgloves:

Digitalis purpurea: This is the most common species of foxglove, native to Europe. It has tall spires of bell-shaped flowers that are typically purple or pink but can also be found in white and other shades.

Digitalis grandiflora: Also known as yellow foxglove or large yellow foxglove, this species is native to Europe and Asia. It has large, pale yellow flowers with brown veins and is shorter than Digitalis purpurea.

Digitalis lutea: The small yellow foxglove, native to western and southern Europe and North West Africa, has smaller, pale yellow flowers with delicate veining. This species is often used in perennial borders and woodland gardens.

Digitalis ferruginea: Known as the rusty foxglove, this species is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It has tall spikes of tubular, rusty-brown flowers with a unique, metallic appearance.

Digitalis parviflora: This species, also known as the small-flowered foxglove, is native to the Iberian Peninsula. It has bronze-colored flowers with intricate veining, which contrast beautifully with its dark green foliage.

Digitalis x mertonensis: This hybrid, known as the strawberry foxglove, is a cross between Digitalis purpurea and Digitalis grandiflora. It has large, coppery-pink flowers that are slightly more resistant to disease and pests than the common foxglove.

Digitalis obscura: Also called the sunset foxglove, this species is native to Spain and Morocco. It has unique, tubular flowers in shades of orange, red, and brown, often with a smoky appearance.

Digitalis thapsi: The Spanish foxglove is native to the Iberian Peninsula and features rose-pink flowers with darker spots inside. It is a compact species, making it suitable for smaller gardens or containers.

When to Plant Foxgloves

• Seeds: Sow foxglove seeds in late summer to early fall for biennial varieties or spring for perennial varieties. This timing allows the plants to establish a strong root system before winter and ensures flowering the following year.
• Transplants: If you’re planting young plants or divisions, it’s best to plant them in the spring or fall when temperatures are moderate, and the plants have time to acclimate before extreme temperatures set in.

Where to Plant Foxgloves

• Sunlight: Foxgloves generally prefer partial shade, but some species can tolerate full sun. Make sure to check the specific light requirements for the variety you choose. In hotter climates, more shade is preferable to protect the plants from extreme heat.
• Soil: Plant foxgloves in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). They can tolerate a range of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, as long as the soil drains well.
• Space: Foxgloves can grow quite tall, so provide ample space for proper growth. Generally, plant them 12 to 24 inches apart (30-60 cm), depending on the variety’s mature size. Plant them in groups or clusters for a more dramatic visual effect.

How to Plant Foxgloves

• Prepare the planting site by loosening the soil and removing any weeds or debris. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure if needed to improve fertility and drainage.
• For seeds, sow them directly onto the soil surface and do not cover them with soil. They need light to germinate. Keep them in a sheltered spot at 50–60°F (10–15°C). They should germinate in two to three weeks
• For transplants, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root system of the plant. Carefully remove the foxglove from its container, being cautious not to damage the roots. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil around the plant to eliminate air pockets.
• Water the plants or seeds thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until the plants are well-established.

Landscaping with Foxglove flowers

Foxgloves make a striking statement in any garden with their tall, elegant flower spires. Here are some tips for designing a garden with foxgloves:

Use foxgloves as a focal point or backdrop, especially in mixed borders or perennial beds. Their height and colorful blooms draw the eye and provide a stunning contrast to lower-growing plants.

Plant foxgloves in groups or drifts for a more dramatic visual impact. This approach creates a sense of unity and rhythm in the garden.

Combine foxgloves with plants that have different textures and forms to create a visually appealing garden. For example, place them near plants with feathery foliage, mounding habits, or low-growing ground covers.

Companion Plants

The following plants make excellent companions for foxgloves, as they complement each other in terms of color, form, and bloom time:

Roses: Roses and foxgloves together create a classic, romantic cottage garden feel. Choose roses with colors that either contrast or harmonize with the foxgloves’ hues.

Delphiniums: Similar in height and form, delphiniums and foxgloves create a stunning vertical display in the garden. Their spiky blooms contrast nicely with the bell-shaped flowers of foxgloves.

Lupines: With their tall, colorful flower spikes, lupines create a striking combination with foxgloves. Plant them together for a bold display of color and height.

Astrantia: Astrantia, also known as masterwort, has delicate, star-shaped flowers that contrast beautifully with the bold, tall blooms of foxgloves.

Hostas: The large, lush foliage of hostas creates an attractive contrast to the slender, vertical lines of foxgloves. Hostas also prefer similar growing conditions, making them suitable companions.

Ferns: The delicate, feathery foliage of ferns complements the bold flowers of foxgloves, creating a woodland garden feel.

Coral Bells (Heuchera): Coral bells have attractive mounding foliage in various colors, making them an excellent companion for foxgloves. Their small, delicate flowers also provide a contrast to the large, showy blooms of foxgloves.

When selecting companion plants, consider their growing requirements, such as sunlight, water, and soil, to ensure they will thrive together. This will help create a harmonious and healthy garden environment.

How to Care for Foxgloves

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Once established, foxgloves can tolerate some drought, but they perform best with regular watering during dry periods.
• Fertilizing: On poor soils, apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in the spring as new growth emerges. Alternatively, use a liquid fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
• Mulching: Add a layer of organic mulch, such as compost, well-rotted manure, or bark chips, around the base of the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Staking: Stake tall varieties to keep the flower stalks upright.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if desired. However, if you want your foxgloves to self-seed and naturalize in your garden, leave some flower spikes to mature and drop seeds.
• Winter care: In colder climates, protect the crown of the plant with a layer of mulch or straw to prevent frost damage. Perennial foxgloves will die back in the winter, but new growth will emerge in the spring.

How to Propagate

• Seeds: Foxgloves can be propagated by sowing seeds directly in the garden in late summer to early fall or indoors in late winter to early spring. Ensure the seeds have adequate light, consistent moisture, and warm temperatures to germinate successfully.
• Division: Perennial foxgloves can be propagated by division in early spring or fall. Dig up the plant, gently separate the root ball into smaller sections, and replant each section in well-prepared soil.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids: These small insects can infest foxgloves, causing stunted growth and deformed flowers. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphid populations or introduce beneficial insects, like ladybugs to combat the pests.

Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are invasive pests that can cause significant damage to a wide variety of plants, including foxgloves. The adult beetles feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants, leaving behind a skeletonized appearance. To protect your foxgloves, consider hand-picking, traps, and neem oil, or introduce natural predators or predatory insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and ground beetles to help control Japanese beetle populations.

Slugs and Snails: These pests can cause significant damage to the leaves of foxgloves. Use organic or chemical slug and snail control methods, such as beer traps, diatomaceous earth, or copper barriers, to protect your plants.

Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and can cause them to become distorted or discolored. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation around the plants, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides as needed.

Root Rot: Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot in foxgloves. Ensure the soil drains well and avoid overwatering to prevent this issue.

Regularly inspect your foxgloves for signs of pests or diseases, and take appropriate action to maintain the health and beauty of your plants.

Is Foxglove Invasive?

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is not generally considered an invasive species in its native range, which includes Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. However, it has naturalized in some areas outside its native range, such as parts of North America, where it can spread easily and become invasive in certain conditions.

Foxgloves are prolific self-seeders, and their seeds can be dispersed by wind or other means, leading to new plants growing in unintended locations. In some areas, this can result in dense populations that may outcompete native plants for resources such as light, water, and nutrients.

To prevent Digitalis purpurea from becoming invasive in your garden or local ecosystem, take the following precautions:

• Deadhead spent flowers to reduce self-seeding and prevent the spread of seeds.
• Monitor your garden for seedlings and remove them as needed to control their spread.
• Be aware of local regulations and guidelines for planting non-native species, as these can vary by region.
• Find where Digitalis purpurea species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is touching foxglove poisonous?

Touching foxglove plants is generally not considered harmful. However, foxgloves contain toxic compounds called cardiac glycosides, which can be absorbed through the skin, especially if you have cuts or abrasions. It’s essential to wear gloves when handling foxgloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Is foxglove poisonous to humans?

Yes, all parts of the foxglove plant (Digitalis spp.) are poisonous to humans, including the leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, even death. Keep foxglove plants away from children and educate them about the dangers of ingesting the plant.

Are foxglove poisonous to dogs?

Yes, foxglove plants are poisonous to dogs, as well as other pets and livestock. The toxic compounds in foxgloves can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, irregular heart rate, tremors, seizures, and potentially death. Keep your pets away from foxglove plants and contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.

Does foxglove like sun or shade?

Foxgloves generally prefer partial shade, although some species can tolerate full sun. In hotter climates, foxgloves will appreciate more shade to protect them from the intense heat. When planting foxgloves, consider the specific light requirements of the variety you choose and provide the appropriate level of sunlight for optimal growth.

Click here to compare all Foxglove varieties