Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Digitalis purpurea, the Common foxglove, features stunning pink to purple floral spires, ideal for borders in USDA Zones 4-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Common foxglove, or Digitalis purpurea, stands out in the spring garden with its dramatic, towering spires of tubular, pendulous flowers. This biennial or short-lived perennial is cherished for the architectural height and rich color it brings to shaded borders, peaking just as roses begin their annual display. While easily managed, gardeners must remember that Digitalis purpurea requires patience, as it establishes a leafy rosette the first year before flowering spectacularly in the second.
Cultivating Digitalis purpurea is rewarding due to its low maintenance needs once established in the right conditions. It thrives in average, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and consistently moist. Its classic appearance makes it indispensable for cottage gardens or woodland settings where its historic charm can be fully appreciated.
This striking plant offers significant aesthetic value, providing vertical interest that contrasts beautifully with mounding perennials. Despite its beauty, gardeners should handle this species with care, as all parts of the Common foxglove are highly poisonous, a characteristic rooted in its famous medicinal properties.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Plantaginaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Western, southern, and central Europe
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 4-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-5 ft
- Spread: 1-2.5 ft
- Bloom Time: May to June
- Bloom Description: Strawberry pink, white, or purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Start Digitalis purpurea from seed sown directly into the garden in the spring after the final frost; remember that only a basal rosette of leaves will form in the first year. For bloom the following spring, timing the initial seed sowing is crucial. These plants perform best when situated in part shade or dappled light, away from intense afternoon sun.
Ensure the soil is consistently moist, organically rich, and well-drained, as the soil must not be allowed to dry out completely at any point. While maintenance is generally low, deadheading is important for cultural management. To encourage the Common foxglove to behave as a perennial rather than strictly a biennial, cut all flowering stalks back to the basal foliage before seeds fully set.
If flower spikes are left intact, the plant will freely self-seed, often leading to colonies of beautiful Digitalis purpurea for years afterward. However, spent spikes can look unsightly by late summer, so many gardeners remove most spikes while leaving a few for natural reseeding. The overwintering basal rosette typically remains as evergreen foliage, protecting the plant for strong spring growth.
Landscape Uses
The primary suggested use for Digitalis purpurea is to naturalize it within woodland or informal garden settings. The tall spires provide striking color and excellent architectural height, making them perfect for planting towards the back of mixed perennial borders. They are particularly effective when placed in front of dark backgrounds, such as evergreen shrubs or walls, which make the flower colors intensely pop.
Use these vertical elements to add structure where lower-growing plants create a soft transition to the lawn or pathway. Companion planting with traditional roses or medium-height perennials that bloom later in the season works well, ensuring continuous interest after the Foxgloves fade. Their height provides borrowed scenery, drawing the eye upward through the landscape design.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Digitalis purpurea is famously characterized by its biennial life cycle, first appearing as a basal rosette of oblong, light green leaves, only sending up its flowering spire the second season. The signature flowers are pendulous, tubular bells, typically dark rose-pink to purple, clustered tightly along a terminal, one-sided raceme, often featuring distinct internal spotting. Gardeners prize the Common foxglove not only for its striking appearance but also for attracting hummingbirds to the mid-spring garden display.
Tolerances
- Rabbit
- Deer
Potential Problems
Digitalis purpurea is generally robust, but powdery mildew and leaf spot can appear, generally degrading the foliage quality by mid-summer if conditions are humid or airflow is poor. Preventative care involves ensuring good air circulation around dense crowns. Slugs and mealy bugs can sometimes bother the plants, requiring routine monitoring, especially on tender new growth. Be aware that dense crowns are susceptible to rot, particularly if waterlogged in poorly-drained soils during winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Common foxglove suitable for?
The Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is best suited for USDA Zones 4 through 8.
How large does Digitalis purpurea grow?
This plant typically achieves a height between 2 and 5 feet, with a spread generally ranging from 1 to 2.5 feet once the flower spike has fully developed.
What sun exposure does Digitalis purpurea need?
Digitalis purpurea prefers locations receiving full sun to partial shade, adapting well to varied light conditions provided the soil remains adequately moist.
When does Common foxglove bloom?
The primary bloom time for Digitalis purpurea is from May into June, showcasing flowers described as strawberry pink, white, or purple.
Conclusion
The towering elegance and historic charm of the Common foxglove make Digitalis purpurea a must-have for vertical accents in shaded borders. Its striking blooms attract hummingbirds while providing superb architectural structure throughout late spring. Plan your planting schedule based on its biennial habit and ensure you check local hardiness zone compatibility before welcoming these beautiful, yet poisonous, spires into your garden.
Companion Planting
When planning beds that feature Digitalis purpurea, choose companions that appreciate similar cultural conditions—moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and partial shade. Traditional partners enhancing the cottage garden aesthetic include Amsonia (Blue Star), Astilbe, and early-blooming Peonies. For late-season interest, interplant with shade-loving Hostas and ferns which contrast nicely with the upright structure of the mature foxglove in summer.
Wildlife Benefits
While handling the Digitalis purpurea plant requires caution due to its toxicity, its flowers are highly beneficial to local wildlife. The long, tubular shapes are perfectly designed for hummingbirds, which are frequent visitors searching for nectar deep within the blossoms. Its naturalized appearance also offers cover and structure for smaller garden visitors throughout the growing season, making it a valuable addition to an ecologically focused design.
