Common foxglove is a biennial: sow seed in late summer for flowers the next year (Wisconsin, NYBG), pressing it onto the surface without covering it, because it needs light (Wisconsin, NYBG). Or start seed indoors in late spring and transplant after the last frost (Wisconsin), or set young plants out in September (Arkansas). Space plants about 18 inches apart (Wisconsin) in part shade or afternoon shade and moist, well-drained, organic soil (NC State, Wisconsin). All parts are poisonous to people and pets (NC State, ASPCA, Poison Control).
Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a biennial or short-lived perennial native to western Europe and Morocco (NC State, Wisconsin). In its first year it forms a low rosette of leaves; in its second it sends up spikes 3 to 4 feet tall with 20 to 80 tubular flowers in purple, pink, white or yellow, often spotted inside, in early summer (Wisconsin). Arkansas notes spikes rising in April and May there. Bumblebees and hummingbirds visit the flowers (NC State, Wisconsin). It is hardy in about zones 4 to 9 (Wisconsin, NC State), and NYBG gives zones 4 to 8.
When to plant foxgloves
| Timing | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Late summer (seed) | Sow outdoors where they will bloom the following year (Wisconsin). NYBG calls late summer the best time to sow; seed needs light, so scatter it and rake gently without burying it. Germination takes 20 to 30 days (NYBG) |
| Late spring to early summer (seed) | Sow indoors in late spring (Wisconsin), or start indoors in winter or spring and plant out in summer (NYBG). Arkansas sows in containers outdoors in May or June and moves seedlings to larger pots after 3 to 4 weeks |
| After last frost (transplants) | Wisconsin transplants indoor-started seedlings after the last spring frost |
| September (young plants) | Arkansas sets first-year plants in their final spot in September so they establish before cold weather, for flowers the next spring |
| Every other year | Common foxglove is a biennial: leaves in year one, flowers in year two (Wisconsin, NC State). NYBG suggests sowing in alternate years for flowers every year, or let some plants self-seed |
Our planting calendar shows your frost dates. For flowers next year, late-summer sowing or a September planting gives the rosette time to grow before winter (Wisconsin, Arkansas). Want flowers this year? Wisconsin lists first-year-flowering varieties, including 'Foxy', 'Camelot', 'Dalmatian' and the newer 'Hanabee' and 'DiBella' series, and NC State also notes that 'Foxy' blooms from seed in its first year. For a longer-lived plant, Wisconsin suggests strawberry foxglove (D. × mertonensis), which comes true from seed and blooms for several years, and NYBG mentions the perennial yellow foxglove (D. grandiflora).
How to sow and plant foxgloves
| Common foxglove | |
|---|---|
| Seed depth | On the surface: the seed needs light to germinate, so don't cover it (Wisconsin); scatter and rake gently (NYBG) |
| Spacing | About 18 in apart, thinning direct-sown seedlings to that distance (Wisconsin). Plants are 1 to 2.5 ft wide (NC State) |
| Moving seedlings | Small self-sown seedlings transplant easily (Wisconsin) |
| Light | Full sun to light shade (Wisconsin); best with afternoon shade (NC State); dappled shade (NYBG). Arkansas grows it in full sun or medium shade |
| Soil | Moist, well drained and high in organic matter; don't let it dry out, since drought cuts flowering (NC State). Wisconsin says it grows in almost any soil that is not too dry or too wet; NYBG adds compost and mulch and warns against waterlogging. NC State lists acidic soil |
Care and bloom
- Water in dry spells. Arkansas wants some summer water, and NC State says drought stress limits flowers.
- Stake tall types in windy spots (Wisconsin).
- Deadhead for more stems. Removing the main spike can bring on more side stems (Wisconsin).
- Decide about seed. One plant can make 1 to 2 million seeds (Wisconsin). Cut most spikes before they set seed to limit seedlings, but leave a few if you want the patch to keep going (Wisconsin, NC State, NYBG). Arkansas says it reseeds far less in the South, where a happy plant may persist 3 to 4 years. NYBG notes 'Spice Island' is sterile.
- Mind its spread. Wisconsin notes common foxglove has become invasive in the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand.
Foxgloves in containers
Arkansas raises seedlings in containers before planting them out in September. Our sources don't cover growing foxgloves to flower in pots; if you try, use a large pot and keep it evenly moist, since NC State warns against letting the soil dry out (GardenPal reasoning). Keep pots away from where children and pets play.
Fall and winter
- Get rosettes established. Arkansas sets first-year plants in their final spot in September so they establish before cold weather.
- Check hardiness. Common foxglove is hardy to about zone 4, but Wisconsin says some varieties are reliable only to zone 5.
- Clean up after flowering. Wisconsin says plants can look ragged after flowering and can be removed then, since biennials die after setting seed.
Pests and problems
Foxgloves have few serious problems. Wisconsin mentions powdery mildew in late summer and occasional aphids; NC State lists fungal diseases, aphids, Japanese beetles and mealybugs. Deer and rabbits generally leave them alone (Wisconsin, NC State, NYBG).
Foxgloves around the vegetable garden
Keep foxgloves out of the vegetable and herb beds. Poison Control reports a couple who mistook foxglove leaves for borage, and Poison Control advises against growing it where children or pets play. In our view, a border well away from edible greens and herbs is the safer spot (GardenPal reasoning). Its height and bee-friendly flowers suit the back of a part-shade border. For other part-shade perennials, see when to plant columbine, when to plant coral bells, when to plant ferns and when to plant hostas. For more tall cottage-garden spikes, see when to plant delphiniums and when to plant hollyhocks.
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant foxglove seeds?
Late summer, sown where they will flower the next year (Wisconsin, NYBG). You can also sow indoors in late spring and transplant after the last frost (Wisconsin).
Do foxglove seeds need light to germinate?
Yes. Wisconsin says not to cover the seed; NYBG scatters it and rakes gently without burying it. Germination takes 20 to 30 days (NYBG).
Do foxgloves bloom the first year?
Common foxglove usually flowers in its second year. First-year varieties such as Foxy, Camelot and Dalmatian flower the year they are sown (Wisconsin, NC State).
Is foxglove poisonous to dogs and cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists foxglove as toxic to dogs, cats and horses because of cardiac glycosides. It is also poisonous to people (NC State, Poison Control).
How far apart do you plant foxgloves?
About 18 inches (Wisconsin).
Do foxgloves come back every year?
Common foxglove is a biennial that dies after flowering, but it reseeds; leave a few spikes to set seed (Wisconsin, NC State). Strawberry foxglove blooms for several years (Wisconsin).
Enter your frost dates to time a late-summer foxglove sowing or a spring transplant.
Open itSources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension, "Companion Planting in Gardening" (SPES-620P)
- University of Maryland Extension, "Vegetable Succession and Companion Planting"
- Oregon State University Extension, "Companion Planting"
- Penn State Extension, "Herbs Make Good Plant Partners and Companions"
- University of Minnesota Extension, "Planting the vegetable garden"
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (frost/freeze data)
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, "Common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea"
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, "Digitalis purpurea"
- University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension, Plant of the Week: "Foxglove"
- New York Botanical Garden Plant Information, "How do I grow foxglove?"
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, "Foxglove"
- National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control), "Foxglove"
Pairings are summarized in our own words from extension-service guidance. Research support for many companion effects is limited, so treat them as good habits, not guarantees.