Foxglove (Digitalis) Growth and Care Guide
Foxglove, botanically known as Digitalis, is a classic cottage-garden plant prized for its tall flower spikes and elegant, bell-shaped blooms that rise above the garden in late spring and early summer. These striking biennials and short-lived perennials bring vertical interest to borders, woodland edges, and naturalized plantings, often blooming in shades of pink, purple, white, yellow, and apricot. Foxglove thrives in cooler conditions and partial sun, making them especially valuable for adding height and drama where many summer flowers struggle. Loved by pollinators but respected for their toxicity, Digitalis plants combine beauty, tradition, and powerful garden presence.
This Plant Guide covers everything you need to know about growing Foxglove successfully, from planting and sunlight requirements to watering, feeding, and long-term care. You’ll also learn about common varieties, bloom habits, self-seeding behavior, and practical tips to keep your Foxgloves healthy and thriving in the landscape.
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By: Reggie Meehan (01/21/2026)
Introduction to Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxglove, scientifically known as Digitalis, is a quintessential cottage garden plant admired for its tall spikes of tubular flowers that add elegance and charm to any landscape. From the deep purples of Digitalis purpurea to the delicate tones of the Dalmatian Peach variety, Foxgloves are prized for their beauty and versatility. Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, this genus includes both biennial and perennial species that thrive in a range of garden settings. With blooms in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow, Foxgloves offer a striking display, but they must be handled with care, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Often found gracing cottage-style gardens and woodland edges, Foxglove’s tall flower spikes are not only visually stunning but also highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees. Their vertical growth and vibrant colors make them a standout feature in mixed borders, wildflower meadows, and naturalistic planting schemes. Whether providing structure in a formal garden or enhancing the charm of a wilder landscape, Foxgloves bring timeless beauty and ecological value to outdoor spaces.
I first grew Common Foxglove years ago, and I was captivated by how quickly it transformed my garden into a pollinator paradise. Watching bees dive into the tubular flowers was a constant delight! The tall spires added instant vertical drama, drawing the eye upward and creating a dreamy, cottage-garden feel that made the whole space feel alive.
Characteristics of Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxglove is celebrated for its towering flower spikes, which can reach up to 5 feet tall, making it a dramatic addition to any garden. Thriving in cool climates, these plants bring height, texture, and vibrant color to a variety of garden settings, from cottage-style borders to woodland edges. Their striking blooms and ability to attract pollinators like bees make them a favorite for gardeners looking to create visually dynamic and ecologically beneficial spaces.
Size and Growth Habit
Foxglove plants typically range from 2–5 feet in height, depending on the variety, with some cultivars reaching even taller heights under optimal growing conditions. The plant begins its growth with a basal rosette of lance-shaped leaves, which anchor the plant and store energy for the towering flower spikes that emerge in the second year for biennial varieties.
The vertical growth habit of Foxglove creates a striking, architectural presence in garden beds, making it an excellent choice for adding drama and height to planting schemes. The combination of its lush, low-growing foliage and towering, flower-filled spikes ensures Foxglove complements other plants while commanding attention as a centerpiece.
Leaves and Flowers
Foxglove’s leaves are mid-green, lance-shaped, and form a dense rosette at the base of the plant, giving it a neat, tidy appearance even before the flower spikes emerge. The leaves are slightly hairy in texture, which adds a subtle tactile quality and provides some protection against pests and harsh conditions. In addition to their functional role in photosynthesis, the foliage serves as an attractive backdrop, contrasting beautifully with the plant's tall flower spikes.
The tubular flowers of Foxglove grow densely along the upright stems, creating a dramatic column of blooms that captures the eye from across the garden. These flowers feature intricate speckling inside the tube, a distinctive characteristic that adds depth and visual interest. Bloom colors range from deep purples and soft pinks to creamy whites and sunny yellows, making Foxglove a versatile addition to various garden color palettes. Beyond their beauty, the blooms are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
Is Foxglove Annual or Perennial?
Foxglove is predominantly a biennial, growing a rosette of foliage in the first year and producing its iconic flower spikes in the second. However, certain varieties, such as Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot,' are short-lived perennials and can bloom for multiple years under the right conditions. In colder climates, some gardeners treat Foxgloves as annuals, replanting them each year to ensure consistent blooms. Their flexible life cycle makes them a versatile option for a wide range of gardens and climates.
Best Varieties of Foxglove
Foxgloves vary widely in bloom timing, height, and growth habit, making some varieties better suited for modern landscapes while others shine in classic cottage gardens. Understanding these differences helps gardeners choose foxgloves that fit their space, climate, and design goals.
Dalmatian Series
The Dalmatian Series is prized for its earlier bloom time and more compact, uniform habit compared to traditional foxgloves. Plants flower reliably in their first year, making them an excellent choice for gardeners who want quicker results without waiting through a full biennial cycle. The blooms appear on sturdy, upright spikes in shades of rose, purple, white, and peach, each accented with classic speckled throats. Because of their controlled size and strong stems, Dalmatian foxgloves perform exceptionally well in containers, mixed borders, and smaller garden spaces. We carry 3 varieties:
Common Foxglove
This classic foxglove is known for its tall, dramatic flower spikes lined with tubular blooms in purple, pink, and white, often marked with richly speckled throats. It thrives in part shade and cooler conditions, making it a staple of cottage gardens and woodland edges. As a traditional biennial, it typically produces foliage the first year and flowers spectacularly in the second. Digitalis purpurea also self-seeds readily, allowing it to naturalize and reappear year after year in informal garden settings
How to Grow & Care for Foxglove (Digitalis)
Foxglove is a low-maintenance plant that thrives with minimal care when planted in suitable conditions. Its towering flower spikes and vibrant blooms make it a favorite in cottage gardens, borders, and pollinator-friendly landscapes. By meeting its basic needs, you can enjoy Foxglove’s beauty and ecological benefits for years.
Planting Foxglove
Sow Foxglove seeds directly into the ground in late summer or early fall for biennials, as they require a period of cold to germinate and flower the following year. For perennial varieties, seeds can be started indoors in early spring and transplanted once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a location with well-draining soil and part shade, as Foxgloves thrive in environments that mimic their woodland origins. Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and ample room to grow. When planting seedlings, ensure the crown sits just above the soil surface to prevent rot and encourage healthy development.
Sunlight Requirements
Foxgloves prefer partial shade, which protects them from the harsh midday sun and helps maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil. However, in cooler climates, they can tolerate full sun if provided with adequate water. Avoid planting in full sun in hot, dry regions, as excessive heat may cause the plants to wilt or scorch. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal for achieving vibrant blooms and healthy foliage.
Soil Requirements
Foxgloves grow best in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0–7.0. Incorporating compost or organic matter improves soil fertility, enhances drainage, and provides the nutrients needed for robust growth. While Foxglove can adapt to less-than-ideal soil conditions, heavy clay soils should be amended with sand or perlite to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Watering Needs
During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to help Foxgloves establish strong roots. Once established, they are relatively drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering. Ensure the soil dries slightly between waterings, particularly in cooler weather, to prevent overwatering and root-related diseases. In hotter climates, maintaining consistent moisture becomes more critical, especially during prolonged dry spells.
Fertilizer Needs
A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring helps promote healthy foliage and flower spike development. For flowering plants, using a fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content supports larger, more vibrant blooms. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Container-grown Foxgloves may require more frequent feeding, as nutrients in potting soil deplete more quickly.
Pruning & Maintenance
Deadheading spent flowers encourages the development of lateral flower spikes, extending the blooming period and enhancing the plant’s overall appearance. For perennial varieties, cut back the plant to ground level after flowering to promote regrowth in the next season. If you want Foxgloves to self-seed and create a naturalized look, leave a few seedheads intact, allowing the seeds to disperse naturally.
Overwintering
Foxgloves are hardy in USDA Zones 4–9 and often survive winter to bloom the following year. In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants in late fall to insulate the roots and protect them from frost. For container-grown Foxgloves, move pots to a sheltered location or wrap them with insulating materials to safeguard against freezing temperatures.
Common Pests
Foxgloves are generally low-maintenance, but a few pests can appear, especially during periods of soft new growth or prolonged moisture. Aphids are the most common issue, clustering on flower spikes and tender stems where they feed on sap and can distort growth if left unchecked. Spider mites may show up during hot, dry stretches, causing stippling on leaves and a dull, dusty appearance to foliage. Slugs and snails are primarily a problem on young plants and seedlings, feeding at night and leaving irregular holes in leaves; hand-picking, copper barriers, or organic deterrents like diatomaceous earth are effective. Consistent monitoring, proper spacing, and good airflow greatly reduce pest pressure and prevent minor issues from becoming persistent problems.
Common Diseases
Foxgloves can be susceptible to a few fungal diseases, particularly when grown in crowded or poorly drained conditions. Powdery mildew is the most noticeable, appearing as a white, powdery film on leaves and stems, often triggered by stagnant air, excess humidity, or overhead watering late in the day. Leaf spot may cause dark or discolored patches on foliage, especially during extended wet weather, and can weaken plants over time if not addressed. Root rot is the most serious issue and almost always results from overwatering or planting in heavy, poorly draining soil. Preventing disease starts with well-drained soil, proper plant spacing, watering at the base of the plant, and removing infected foliage promptly.
Common Mistakes
One of the most frequent mistakes gardeners make with Foxglove is overwatering, which leads to weak growth, yellowing leaves, and increased risk of root rot. Planting Foxgloves in heavy clay soil without amendment further compounds this issue, as excess moisture becomes trapped around the roots. Another common error is neglecting to deadhead spent flower spikes, which can shorten the bloom window and reduce the chance of secondary flowering or reseeding where desired. Finally, placing Foxgloves in deep, dense shade often results in leggy plants and sparse blooms, as they perform best with morning sun and light afternoon shade.
Common Misconceptions
A widespread misconception is that Foxgloves are invasive, when in reality they are enthusiastic self-seeders but remain easy to control by removing unwanted seedlings. Another misunderstanding is that Foxgloves only grow well in shade; while they tolerate shade, they actually flower best in part sun to light shade, especially in cooler climates. Many gardeners also assume Foxgloves are long-lived perennials, but most varieties are biennials, producing foliage the first year and flowers the second. Some modern cultivars and series behave as short-lived perennials, but even these benefit from allowing a few plants to self-seed to maintain a continuous presence in the garden.
Using Foxglove in the Garden
Foxgloves bring unparalleled drama and elegance to gardens, enhancing landscapes with their striking vertical spikes and vibrant blooms. Whether adding height to borders, creating a whimsical cottage aesthetic, or supporting pollinators, these versatile plants elevate the beauty and functionality of any outdoor space.
Cottage Gardens
Foxgloves are a quintessential feature of cottage gardens, embodying the charm and romance associated with this classic design style. Their tall, colorful spikes introduce vertical interest and a sense of whimsy, effortlessly blending with the layered, informal planting schemes typical of cottage gardens. Pairing Foxgloves with complementary plants like delphiniums, hollyhocks, and roses creates a lush tapestry of textures and colors, evoking an old-world charm.
The soft pastels and rich hues of Foxglove blooms harmonize with other cottage favorites such as lavender, daisies, and lupines, making them indispensable for achieving a balanced and picturesque landscape. Beyond aesthetics, their adaptability to partial shade makes them ideal for filling gaps under small trees or around hedgerows, adding depth and character to shaded areas.
Borders and Edging
Foxgloves are a natural choice for borders and edging, where their vertical growth habit creates a striking visual anchor. Positioned at the back of mixed borders, they provide height and structure, contrasting beautifully with the lower, mounded forms of plants like peonies, geraniums, and hostas. Their dramatic flower spikes draw the eye upward, giving the illusion of a larger, more layered garden.
When planted along garden edges or pathways, Foxgloves act as living dividers, delineating spaces while contributing to the overall aesthetic. Their ability to self-seed ensures a naturalized and ever-evolving look, adding a sense of movement and continuity to the garden’s design.
Pollinator Gardens
Foxgloves are a favorite among pollinators, thanks to their tubular, nectar-rich flowers that provide a reliable food source. Bees are particularly drawn to their blooms, which offer easy access to nectar, while hummingbirds and butterflies are equally enchanted by their vibrant colors and unique shape. Incorporating Foxgloves into pollinator gardens not only enhances biodiversity but also adds visual interest to these naturalistic spaces.
Their tall spikes rise above other plants, ensuring pollinators can spot them from a distance. Combining Foxgloves with other pollinator-friendly plants, such as echinacea, salvia, and verbena, creates a dynamic, wildlife-supporting habitat that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Foxglove Attracts Garden Pollinators
Looking to grow Foxglove in your garden? At Garden Delivery, we offer premium Digitalis plants—commonly known as Foxglove—loved for their towering flower spikes and tubular blooms that bees can’t resist. These classic cottage garden staples bloom in soft shades of pink, purple, white, and peach, rising high above garden beds with elegant structure and dramatic color. Perfect for partial shade or dappled sun, Foxglove adds vertical interest and a romantic, old-world feel to any space. Though typically biennial, many varieties will reseed naturally, returning year after year with little effort. Add Foxglove to your garden today and create a pollinator haven full of timeless charm.