Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
flowerFoxgloves are stately biennials with tall spires of tubular flowers in pink, purple, white, or yellow, often with spotted throats. They thrive in partial shade and woodland settings, self-seeding readily for continuous displays. These cottage garden classics are essential for creating vertical interest and attracting bees and hummingbirds.
Common Problems
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Care Guide
Toxicity
Highly toxic; contains cardiac glycosides; ingestion causes serious heart problems, gastrointestinal distress, and potentially fatal toxicity
Common Diseases
Common Pests
Seasonal Care
Resume regular watering and feeding as growth picks up.
Peak growing season. Water and feed regularly.
Reduce watering as growth slows. Stop heavy feeding.
Minimal watering and feeding. Protect from frost if needed.
Similar Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foxglove safe to grow around pets and children?
No — it's highly toxic, containing cardiac glycosides that cause serious heart problems, gastrointestinal distress, and potentially fatal toxicity if ingested, so keep it away from areas where pets or kids might handle it.
Why does my Foxglove only flower every other year?
It's a biennial — the plant grows foliage in its first year and produces its tall flower spikes in the second, then typically dies back after self-seeding.