Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea)

Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea)

The Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is one of the most enchanting flowering plants found in cottage gardens and woodland landscapes. Loved for its elegant, bell-shaped blooms that rise dramatically on tall flower spikes, the Foxglove adds height, colour, and timeless charm to any garden. Flowering in shades of purple, pink, white, cream, and apricot, this striking biennial or short-lived perennial creates a spectacular display from late spring through early summer while attracting a host of beneficial pollinators.

Native to Europe, the Foxglove thrives in temperate climates where it enjoys cool conditions and rich, well-drained soil. Its graceful flower spikes make it a favourite for ornamental gardens, naturalised landscapes, and cutting gardens, where the blooms add elegance and vertical interest to floral arrangements.

Appearance

Foxglove produces a rosette of soft, green, slightly hairy leaves during its first growing season. In the following season, tall flowering stems emerge, reaching heights of 1 to 2 metres depending on the variety. Each stem carries dozens of tubular, downward-facing flowers, often beautifully speckled inside the throat, creating a distinctive and eye-catching display.

The flowers bloom progressively from the bottom of the spike upwards, providing an extended flowering period and continuous colour in the garden.

Growing Conditions

Foxglove performs best in partial shade but will also flourish in full sun where summers are mild. It prefers fertile, moisture-retentive yet well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Regular watering during dry periods encourages healthy growth, although established plants are relatively resilient.

Allow flower spikes to remain after flowering if self-seeding is desired, as Foxgloves readily naturalise under favourable conditions, creating beautiful drifts of blooms year after year.

Garden Uses

Foxgloves are ideal for cottage gardens, woodland borders, mixed perennial beds, and shaded garden spaces. Their tall flower spikes provide excellent vertical contrast amongst lower-growing plants and combine beautifully with roses, salvias, delphiniums, and ornamental grasses.

The long-lasting blooms are also highly valued as cut flowers, bringing elegance and height to fresh floral arrangements.

Benefits of Foxglove

• Produces spectacular vertical flower displays.
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other valuable pollinators.
• Ideal for cottage, woodland, and naturalistic gardens.
• Excellent as a cut flower for floral arrangements.
• Readily self-seeds, creating natural drifts of colour.
• Adds structure, height, and seasonal interest to garden beds.
• Available in a wide range of beautiful flower colours.

Care Tips

Plant Foxgloves in a sheltered position where they receive morning sun or light afternoon shade. Water consistently during establishment and apply mulch to retain soil moisture. Remove spent flower spikes if self-seeding is not desired, or leave selected stems to mature and produce seed for future flowering.

Although relatively low maintenance, Foxgloves benefit from annual compost applications to promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms.

Important: All parts of the Foxglove plant are highly toxic if ingested by humans or animals. Always plant with care in gardens accessed by children or pets and wear gloves when handling the plant.

For Sale in South Africa