Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) are stunning biennial or perennial plants known for their tall, elegant spikes of tubular flowers. They come in various colors, such as purple, pink, white, and yellow, and are a favorite among gardeners for their beauty and ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Growing and caring for foxgloves is relatively simple, but they do have specific needs that should be met for them to thrive. Here’s how to grow and care for them successfully:
1. Choosing the Right Location
Foxgloves thrive in areas with partial to full sun, but they do well in light shade, especially in hotter climates. They prefer a site that offers protection from harsh afternoon sun to prevent the flowers from wilting. When selecting a location, make sure the soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH level is ideal for foxgloves.
2. Preparing the Soil
Foxgloves prefer moist, fertile soil that’s rich in organic material. Before planting, improve the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to boost its fertility and drainage. If your soil tends to be clay-heavy or compacted, consider adding sand or grit to improve drainage.
Ensure the soil is not waterlogged, as standing water can lead to root rot and other diseases. Foxgloves don’t like to have their roots sitting in soggy soil, so it’s essential to provide good drainage.
3. Planting Foxgloves
Foxgloves can be grown from seeds, plugs, or bare-root plants. Here’s a breakdown of how to plant them depending on your method:
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From Seeds: Start foxglove seeds indoors in early spring, about 8–10 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Scatter the tiny seeds on the surface of a seed tray filled with seed compost, pressing them lightly into the soil but not covering them, as they need light to germinate. Keep the seeds in a warm area (around 65-70°F or 18-21°C) and ensure they have adequate moisture. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into the garden after the last frost.
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From Plugs or Bare-Root Plants: Foxgloves can also be purchased as young plants from garden centers. In this case, plant them directly into the garden after the last frost, spacing them about 12–18 inches apart to allow for their tall flower spikes to develop.
4. Watering and Moisture Requirements
Foxgloves prefer consistently moist soil, especially during their growing season. Water them regularly, but ensure that the soil drains well to prevent root rot. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases.
In periods of drought, you may need to water more frequently, but during the cooler months, you can reduce watering, as they are less active during this time.
5. Fertilizing Foxgloves
Foxgloves are not heavy feeders but will benefit from occasional fertilizing. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can help promote healthy growth and blooms. If you are growing foxgloves in containers or poor soil, a liquid fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season will support their development.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.
6. Mulching Foxgloves
Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your foxgloves is beneficial for several reasons. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Organic mulches such as bark, straw, or compost are ideal as they also enrich the soil as they decompose. Be careful not to pile mulch against the stems of the plants, as this can cause rot.
7. Supporting Foxglove Stems
Foxgloves grow tall, with some varieties reaching heights of 5–6 feet (1.5–2 meters), and their flower spikes can become top-heavy. To keep them upright, you may need to stake the plants, especially during windy or rainy conditions. Use tall stakes or plant supports to keep the stems from flopping over. Gently tie the stems to the stakes with soft plant ties, ensuring that they are not too tight, which could damage the plant.
8. Deadheading and Pruning
Deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourages new blooms and helps keep the plant looking tidy. Once the flowers have faded, cut off the flower spikes to prevent the plant from producing seeds. This allows the plant to focus its energy on healthy growth.
If you’re growing a biennial variety of foxglove, which typically blooms in its second year, prune back the plant after the blooms fade. In perennial varieties, you can also cut back the foliage in late fall or early spring to remove any dead or damaged growth and promote new growth in the coming season.
9. Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Foxgloves are generally pest-resistant, but they can still be susceptible to a few issues:
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Aphids: These small, sap-sucking insects can infest foxgloves, causing leaves to curl and yellow. If you notice aphids, spray them off with a strong jet of water or use insecticidal soap.
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Rust: Foxgloves can be susceptible to rust, a fungal disease that causes orange or yellow spots on the leaves. To manage rust, remove infected leaves immediately and avoid overhead watering. If the disease is widespread, consider using a fungicide.
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Slugs and Snails: These pests may feed on the young leaves of foxgloves, especially in damp conditions. Place slug traps or use slug pellets to keep them under control.
To prevent diseases, avoid overcrowding the plants, as good air circulation is key to reducing the risk of fungal infections.
10. Winter Care
In colder regions, foxgloves may need some winter protection, particularly if you are growing a biennial variety that dies after blooming. Perennial foxgloves generally survive the winter with little protection, but you can add a layer of mulch to protect the roots from freezing.
In areas with harsh winters, it’s a good idea to cut the plant back after it has finished blooming and add extra mulch to help insulate the roots.
11. Propagating Foxgloves
Foxgloves can be propagated by seed or by division, although they self-seed quite readily, making it easy to grow new plants. To propagate by division, dig up mature plants in early spring or fall and separate the clumps into smaller sections. Replant these sections in a new location.
Conclusion
Foxgloves are versatile and rewarding plants that can add drama and elegance to any garden. By choosing the right location, providing them with well-drained, fertile soil, watering consistently, and taking care of common pests and diseases, you can enjoy their stunning flowers year after year. Whether grown from seed or purchased as young plants, foxgloves are sure to become a striking feature in your garden.