Foxglove

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Common Name

Foxglove

Scientific Name

Digitalis

Plant Category

Biennial, perennial

Location

Europe, northern US

Height

12-16 inches

Width

1-3 inches

Blooming Season

Summer

Plant Habit

Upright

Color

White, pink, lavender or yellow

Sun

Full sun to partial shade

Soil

Well-drained, acidic soil, rich in humus

Water

Moderate

Plant Characteristics

Tall, slender plants. Flowers attract hummingbirds. Poisonous.

Usage

Used as vertical accent in flower gardens and cut flowers. Also grown as herbs for medicinal purposes.

Information

Foxgloves are slowly gaining popularity and they are widely cultivated. The flowers are produced on a tall spike, are tubular, and vary in colors with species. The life span of the plants is 2 seasons. The first year growth remains in a basal rosette of leaves. Second year growth produces flowering stems, 3 -6 feet in height. Flower spikes have purple to white spotted thimble-like flowers which hang down and last about six days. Ingestion of this plant can be and it is most toxic just before the seeds ripen. The upper leaves of the stem are also more toxic than the lower leaves. The most common variety is known as Digitalis purpurea. Foxglove, which yields digitalis, is vital in the treatment of heart disease

Growing Tips

Foxgloves are started from seed. Directly sow seeds into your garden after all danger of frost. They can also be grown in fields as wildflowers. When grown in the garden, cover lightly with 1/8 inches of garden soil. The plants should be spaced around 24 inches apart. Foxgloves do best in full sun to partial shade. They grow best in cool weather areas. Plant in rich to average soils. With lots of moisture and fertilizer, they will grow quickly to a height of 2 to 5 feet, depending upon the variety. They should be watered during dry periods, once or twice per week. Adding a general purpose fertilizer once a month will result in bigger plants and blooms. Cut blooms just before they reach their peak. Place several of them in a vase, or arrange with other flowers.

Common Problems

Foxglove plants are susceptible to crown rot, so it is important to provide them with adequate drainage. Powdery mildew disease and leaf spot are other problems that can plague foxglove plants; promote air circulation by giving them sufficient spacing.