Foxglove

06.05.2024 - 12:39 / hgic.clemson.edu

For years, Foxglove (Digitalis species) has been a quintessential cottage garden flower. It is native to Europe and is a member of the plantain (Plantaginaceae) family. Foxglove adds height and color to the garden. Grow foxglove with other perennials along a fence or in front of large evergreen shrubs. Plant a large group for an eye-catching display.

Tall flower spikes bloom in the spring and early summer. The bell-shaped flowers dangle from the stem and face downward. Spikes can contain from 20 to 80 individual flowers. The flowers bloom from the bottom up to the top of the spike. Flower colors include light to dark shades of pink, purple, peach, yellow, and white. Most foxgloves have spots on the inside throats of the individual flowers. Hummingbirds and other pollinators often visit the flowers.

Cultivars of foxglove can range from 2 to 3 feet to 5 to 6 feet tall. Stake the taller varieties. Cut flower spikes to use in bouquets. More flower spikes will be encouraged after the central spike is cut.

Most foxgloves are either perennial or biennial, depending on the species. Perennial foxgloves live several years. To extend their life, divide every other year. They also reseed in the garden. The strawberry foxglove, Digitalis xmertonensis, is one of the most widely grown perennial foxgloves.

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is biennial, meaning it will live for two years. A rosette of foliage is formed low to the ground in the first year. The leaves are hairy and can reach 10 to 12 inches long. In the second year, a flower spike grows from the rosette of foliage. Common foxglove cultivars include ‘Foxy,’ ‘Pam’s Choice,’ ‘Sutton’s Apricot,’ ‘Excelsior,’ and ‘Candy Mountain.’

Some cultivars of common foxglove will bloom the