Foxgloves: Sowing, Planting and Care

Botany

The foxgloves comprise between 20 and 25 species of biennial or short-lived perennial plants. They are completely hardy. They originate from Europe, Asia and North Africa. The most well-known is the Common Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, which grows wild in much of France, except in the Mediterranean region. It can be found at woodland edges, along paths, in clearings or on wasteland. In France, you may also encounter Digitalis grandiflora and Digitalis lutea in the wild.

Foxgloves belong to the Plantaginaceae family, but were previously classified under Scrophulariaceae. The Plantaginaceae family includes many plants, often herbaceous, such as plantain, penstemons, veronicas or snapdragons. Foxgloves actually look very similar to penstemon flowers!

The name foxglove comes from the Latin digitus, meaning “finger”, because you can insert a finger into the flower as if it were a glove. This is also why it’s sometimes nicknamed “Lady’s Glove”, “Fairy Gloves” or “Witch’s Gloves”.

Foxglove is a tall, very upright plant that adds vertical interest to the garden. It’s quite an impressive plant: it has a natural appearance and blends in easily, but it’s immediately noticeable thanks to its height, imposing shape and luminosity. The flower spikes can reach up to two metres tall in the case of the Common Foxglove! However, some shorter species don’t exceed 60 cm (Digitalis lutea, Digitalis dubia, Digitalis parviflora…). Foxglove produces a large, very straight flower stem, unbranched. It’s sturdy, robust, hollow and hairy. Foxgloves are often hairy plants: their stems, flowers, seed capsules and the undersides of leaves usually bear a fine down of white hairs.

Digitalis purpurea: botanical illustration

Foxglove produces a rosette of leaves in its first year and only flowers the following year. It will either die after flowering (while self-seeding) or live for a few more years. If you’re looking for a perennial foxglove, choose for example Digitalis mertonensis or Digitalis ‘Glory of Roundway’.

Foxglove flowers in June-July, and sometimes until September. You’ll need to wait until the second year to see it flower, as in the first year it only produces a rosette of leaves.

Foxgloves bear long, upright flower spikes, composed of numerous flowers. These are densely grouped, all on one side of the stem, and they bloom from the bottom upwards. Those at the top of the spike are therefore still closed when those at the bottom are in full bloom. Digitalis lutea has a very delicate appearance: its clusters are narrow and long, made up of small, slender flowers.

The flowers are tubular or take the form of elongated bells, facing downwards. They are composed of five fused petals forming a flared tube, surrounded by five sepals. At the end, the corolla opens into two lips, not always very distinct. The upper lip forms two lobes, and the lower one three lobes, sometimes very developed. Inside the corolla tube are four stamens. It’s quite common for the flowers to be hairy.

The Common Foxglove bears large flowers, measuring between four and five centimetres long. They are much smaller in other varieties. In Digitalis parviflora, for example, they don’t exceed two centimetres in length.

Although the most well-known is the purple foxglove, foxgloves can come in other colours. There are beautiful variations in shades, with reds, mauves and light pinks, but also yellow-flowered foxgloves, or sometimes pure white, making the plant very elegant! (as in ‘Snow Thimble’). Other times, they take on a chocolate brown hue, as in Digitalis parviflora. The colours are quite warm, but often soft. Digitalis obscura stands out from other varieties with its bright orange-red flowers. Apart from this particular foxglove, for more vibrant blooms, you should look to digiplexis, plants resulting from crosses between foxgloves and Isoplexis!

The inside of foxglove flowers is usually marked with darker patterns: it may be spotted with small dots or random shapes, or veined. The contrast is quite exceptional in the Digitalis purpurea ‘Pam’s Choice’, making the whole flower spike almost hypnotic! As for Digitalis purpurea, it bears flowers of a fairly light purple-pink, contrasted by dark purple spots inside the corolla.

Foxglove is a nectar-rich plant: it’s pollinated by insects, particularly bumblebees and bees. The lower lip of the corolla serves as a landing platform for insects coming to feed on the nectar at the base of the flower.

The different blooms of foxgloves! Digitalis purpurea (photo H. Zell), Digitalis lanata (photo Katya), Digitalis_grandiflora (photo Orchi) and Digitalis obscura (photo Peganum)

Foxglove leaves are entire and elongated, oval, undivided. Depending on the variety, they measure between 5 and 25 centimetres in length. They are sometimes toothed along the edge of the blade. They are dark green in colour and often downy on the underside. The veins are very pronounced, giving the leaves a quilted appearance. Some of the leaves form a rosette at the base of the flower spike, others are attached to the stem, arranged alternately (one after the other). The basal leaves are large and long-stalked. The higher up the flower stem you go, the smaller the leaves become, almost stalkless (very short petiole), and they become sparser, less dense. The leaves of Digitalis obscura are very narrow, almost linear.

Digitalis purpurea: rosette of basal leaves (Jean-Marc Pascolo), and a single leaf

The fruits are hairy capsules (covered with fine hairs), which open when ripe, releasing a multitude of tiny seeds. They are dispersed by wind or animals. Foxgloves tend to self-seed readily.

Foxgloves have been crossed with isoplexis (Isoplexis canariensis) – a very close plant, sometimes classified among foxgloves – to produce Digiplexis. These hybrids bear upright flower spikes like foxgloves, but their flowers take on flamboyant hues: red, orange, yellow, pink… colours even more vibrant than foxgloves. However, they should be grown in mild climates as they are not very hardy.

The main varieties of foxgloves

The Most Commonly Grown Varieties

Varieties That Tolerate Lime and Sun

Digiplexis

Very widespread, these varieties require “classic” growing conditions for foxgloves: plant them preferably in partial shade, in light, acidic, humus-rich soil that is both moist and well-drained.

Digitalis purpurea - Common Foxglove

This is the most well-known and widespread species! It boasts stunning pink flowers speckled with purple inside the corolla. It self-seeds easily.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Digitalis purpurea Suttons Apricot - Foxglove

This foxglove stands out for its soft, apricot-pink hue, very pale, almost flesh-coloured. It is perfect for a cottage garden or romantic-style planting.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Digitalis purpurea Pams Choice - Foxglove

A variety offering exceptional contrast: the flowers are white and speckled with deep purple-red spots inside the throat. The corolla tube is split, unlike other foxgloves where the petals are fused along their length. The flower thus takes on a surprising shape!

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Digitalis Glory of Roundway - Foxglove

Appreciated for its fine and delicate flowering! Beautiful soft pink flowers, slightly tinged with orange, with brown speckles inside. It blooms for a long time and, unlike other foxgloves, is fully perennial.

• Flowering time June to September
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Digitalis purpurea Alba - Foxglove

This is a very elegant variety, with long spikes of pure white flowers, very slightly speckled inside the corolla. It will bring brightness to your flower beds.

• Flowering time June to August
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Digitalis Goldcrest - Foxglove

A compact foxglove bearing beautiful yellow-orange flowers tinged with pink. It tolerates sunny positions well and adapts to container growing. This is a sterile hybrid that will not produce seeds.

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Some foxgloves differ from the most common varieties in their growing conditions. While the common foxglove prefers acidic soils, others can grow in lime-rich soil. They tolerate sunny positions, but avoid scorching sun, especially if you live in southern France.

Digitalis lutea - Foxglove

This is a reliably perennial foxglove that produces numerous small, soft yellow flowers gathered in long, narrow clusters. It grows wild in France!

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Digitalis parviflora - Foxglove

This foxglove bears long spikes of honey-brown flowers, slightly tinged with orange—a very warm hue! It can grow in sun if the soil remains moist.

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Digitalis grandiflora - Foxglove

Digitalis grandiflora bears pale yellow flowers, with darker brown veins inside. A simple yet luminous bloom! It can grow in partial shade or sun, avoiding scorching exposures.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Digitalis ferruginea Gigantea - Foxglove

This foxglove produces pale yellow-ochre flowers, contrasted by brown veins inside the corolla. Avoid scorching sun. It thrives in stony soil or gravel gardens.

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Digitalis obscura - Foxglove

A very beautiful foxglove, bearing orange-red flowers in long, drooping bells, along with very fine foliage. You can safely plant it in hot, dry positions, full south, for example in a rockery!

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

 

Digiplexis are less hardy but highly colourful varieties, resulting from a cross between foxgloves and their cousin Isoplexis canariensis.

 

Digitalis valinii Illumination Flame - Foxglove

This variety is prized for its flamboyant flowering! The flower is red on the outside, opening to reveal a yellow-orange throat... a subtle gradient of warm tones!

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Digiplexis Berry Canary - Hybrid Foxglove

This digiplexis bears upright spikes of very beautiful pink flowers, with a creamy-white throat speckled with purple. A fairly compact variety.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

Planting foxgloves

Where to plant foxgloves?

Foxgloves are known to be partial shade plants, thriving for example at the edge of woodlands. While they dislike scorching sun, foxgloves (especially cultivated varieties) can also grow in sunny spots. It all depends on your geographical location: in Mediterranean regions, it’s best to plant them where they’ll have shade during the hottest hours, whereas north of the Loire, they can be planted in full sun.

Foxgloves prefer light soils. Avoid heavy, clay soils that remain wet in winter, as these encourage disease. You can improve drainage by adding pumice, gravel or coarse sand at planting time. This helps water infiltrate more quickly. Foxgloves also appreciate organically rich soils, so adding compost when planting is recommended. A woodland-type soil would be ideal (loose, light, airy, humus-rich).

Foxgloves are quite tall plants: plant them towards the back of borders, behind shorter plants. They also work well planted just in front of hedges. Choose a sheltered position as wind can bend their stems, otherwise you’ll need to stake them. Select their position carefully – once established, foxgloves dislike being moved!

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) prefers acidic soils. You can add some ericaceous compost at planting time. However, alkaline soils suit other species perfectly, such as Digitalis lutea, Digitalis parviflora or Digitalis laevigata…

While foxgloves generally prefer humus-rich soils that remain moist in summer, some species adapt well to drier conditions and thrive in rockeries or Mediterranean gardens. A good example is Digitalis obscura, a stunning foxglove with orange-red flowers.

When to plant?

Plant foxgloves preferably in autumn, ideally in October. Spring planting is also possible.

How to plant?

We recommend spacing them 30-40cm apart. Plant them in groups of at least three or five, avoiding solitary planting.

1. Soak the rootball in a bucket of water to rehydrate it thoroughly
2. Dig a planting hole. Loosen the base and incorporate some compost to enrich the soil. For heavy soils, add gravel or pumice to improve drainage.
3. Place the rootball in the hole.
4. Backfill with soil mixed with a few handfuls of compost, then firm down.
5. Water generously.

Continue watering regularly until the plant is established.

Digitalis mertonensis (photo SB Johnny)

Maintenance

Foxgloves are easy-to-grow plants that require little maintenance. They thrive in moist soil; avoid letting it dry out completely during summer by watering a little during heatwaves. Water directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which could encourage diseases like powdery mildew or downy mildew.

Once established, avoid moving foxgloves to prevent damaging their rather fragile taproot. They may need staking, as their tall flower spikes are susceptible to wind damage. You can also apply a layer of mulch (wood chips, dead leaves, etc.) around the base to suppress weeds and keep the soil cool in summer.

We recommend cutting back the flower spikes once they fade, as this encourages new blooms and prevents the plant from wasting energy. However, you can also allow them to self-seed naturally by leaving a few spent flowers on the plant.

Foxgloves prefer rich, fertile soil: they will benefit from a layer of well-rotted compost in spring. Spread it around the base and lightly work it into the soil with a rake.

Foxgloves are generally resistant to diseases. However, they may occasionally suffer from powdery mildew or downy mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white coating on the leaves and can be treated with a baking soda spray. They may also develop anthracnose, which causes brown spots on the foliage. Slugs and snails are fond of young shoots. Protect your foxgloves by spreading wood chips or ash around the base as a barrier, or make a slug trap.

Propagation: Sowing Foxgloves

Foxgloves are easily propagated by sowing their seeds. However, sowing horticultural varieties tends to produce plants that revert to their original form. They may not remain true to the variety you wish to propagate, particularly in terms of flower colour. To obtain young plants identical to the parent plant, it’s better to sow botanical species (Digitalis purpurea, D. grandiflora, D. lanata, etc.).

Sowing

If conditions are favourable and you haven’t removed the faded flowers, foxgloves will self-seed abundantly. You can leave a few spent flowers on the stems or collect the seed capsules and crumble them where you want new plants to grow. Don’t hesitate to harvest the seeds to sow them yourself. You can also buy foxglove seeds to ensure you get a true-to-type variety.

Foxglove seeds are easy to grow. You can sow them under cover or directly in the ground. Since they generally flower only in their second year and sometimes die after flowering, we recommend sowing them regularly (or, even simpler, letting them self-seed in the garden) to enjoy their blooms every year.

Under cover:

Sow the seeds in spring, around May or June.

1. Fill a pot or tray with substrate (potting compost mixed with coarse sand for drainage and optionally a little ericaceous compost for acidity). Level and lightly firm the surface.
2. Scatter the seeds over the substrate. Press them in very lightly but do not cover them, as they need good light to germinate.
3. Water gently with a fine spray.

Place your sowing in a bright spot, at a temperature of around 18–20°C. Keep the substrate slightly moist until germination. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots when they reach 6–8 cm tall. Take care, as their roots are fragile, making transplanting tricky. You can plant them out in the garden in autumn, around October.

A young common foxglove plant

Direct sowing:

You can sow directly outdoors from May onwards and throughout summer.

1. Prepare the soil by creating a fine seedbed (remove weeds, clumps of soil, and large stones). If your soil is chalky, add ericaceous compost. You can also mix in some potting compost.
2. Sow the seeds on the surface.
3. Cover with a very thin layer of substrate.
4. Water gently with a fine spray.

Continue watering in the weeks after sowing. Many seeds will germinate, so thin them out to keep only the strongest seedlings.

Pairing Foxgloves in the Garden

With its tall, sturdy and upright stems, foxglove is a highly structural plant. It instantly adds volume and verticality to a somewhat flat flower bed. Take advantage of this by inserting its tall floral spikes among lower-growing plants like geraniums, heucheras, bergenias or lady’s mantle… Generally speaking, foxgloves are best planted at the back of borders, with shorter plants in front of them. With their slender, elegant spikes, they can create beautiful contrasts in form and break up the monotony of a flatter planting scheme.

Foxglove has a very wild, natural look, making it an easy fit for gardens with a naturalistic style. You can plant it among ornamental grasses and flowers like alliums, masterworts, columbines, knautias or geums… Preferably choose fairly simple, understated, delicate blooms. And, most importantly, allow foxgloves to self-seed freely, returning each year, sometimes in a different spot. For an effortlessly natural effect, don’t hesitate to plant foxgloves in woodland settings! Create a cool, wild garden by pairing them with ferns, toad lilies, hostas or Siberian bugloss… and perhaps shade-loving hydrangeas like Hydrangea serrata. The zesty hue of purple foxglove pairs perfectly with the soft green of ferns—not to mention both are striking plants that bring freshness. Since foxgloves naturally grow at woodland edges, you can also plant them against a country hedge to mimic a forest fringe effect.

Foxglove is an elegant plant offering a palette of delicate colours. Its blooms have a refined charm, with intricate patterns adorning the corolla’s interior. Use it to create a romantic atmosphere. Opt for pastel-toned varieties: pink, soft yellow, white, apricot (for example, ‘Sutton’s Apricot’), etc. Pair them with roses, masterworts, baby’s breath, hardy geraniums, and Oriental poppies!… In a similarly romantic, poetic vein, you can incorporate foxgloves into a cottage garden. Favour blue and white tones, lush foliage, and let a few upright spikes rise above the rest—foxgloves, of course, but also alliums or Culver’s root… Complement them with the graceful white umbels of Apiaceae, like Orlaya grandiflora. Foxgloves also pair beautifully with the delicate blooms of bellflowers (e.g., Campanula trachelium).

Some foxgloves, particularly Mediterranean species, can be integrated into dry or gravel gardens. This includes Digitalis obscura, which bears stunning orange-red flowers and thrives in heat and drought. Plant it in a south-facing garden with free-draining, stony soil, alongside rockery plants: yarrows, Stipa tenuifolia, cotton lavenders, houseleeks…

A planting combination with Digitalis ‘Suttons Apricot’, Iris ‘Jane Phillips’ and Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ (photo Clive Nichols – MAP) / Digitalis mertonensis, Veronicastrum and Aruncus aethusifolius ‘Horatio’

→ Explore more foxglove pairing ideas in Christine’s advice guide