Growing and Caring for Common Foxglove: A Comprehensive Guide
Overview
Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a popular biennial flower known for its tall, slender stems adorned with tubular blooms. While typically flowering in its second year, there are cultivars bred for first-year blooms. Foxgloves are generally low-maintenance plants, but proper care is essential for healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Varieties of Foxglove
Common foxglove comes in various cultivars, each with unique characteristics:
- ‘Goldcrest’: Yellowish-peach blooms and dark green leaves
- ‘Candy Mountain’: Rosy-pink flowers that face upwards
- ‘Pam’s Choice’: White flowers with burgundy throats
- ‘Rose Shades’: Two-toned flowers featuring rose and white spikes
- ‘Foxy’: Shorter cultivar with purple, white, and pink flowers, often blooming in its first year
- ‘Camelot’: Blooms reliably in its first year, producing cream, lavender, rose, and white flowers
- ‘Excelsior group’: Popular group of hybrids with 4- to 6-foot stems and various colors
Growing Conditions and Care
Soil and Light:
Foxgloves prefer rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.5. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, with some sun exposure being necessary for optimal flowering.
Water and Temperature:
Water foxgloves regularly, providing about 1 inch of water per week. Avoid overhead watering, as it can promote fungal diseases. Foxgloves prefer cooler temperatures and may wilt in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilization:
In general, foxgloves do not require heavy fertilization. A 1-inch layer of well-decomposed mulch provides sufficient nutrients. However, if your soil is poor, you can add a small handful of slow-release 5-10-5 fertilizer in early spring.
Pruning and Propagation:
Deadheading spent flower spikes can encourage a second flowering period. Foxgloves can be propagated from seeds collected from mature seed capsules. Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost and transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Overwintering:
Discard common foxgloves after blooming, as they typically do not return. However, first-year plants that have not bloomed should be covered with mulch in late fall to protect them from winter temperatures. Remove the mulch in the spring to prevent crown rot.
Pests and Diseases:
Foxgloves can be susceptible to insect pests such as aphids, mealy bugs, slugs, and Japanese beetles. Treat infestations with insecticidal soaps or sprays. Common diseases include powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, and leaf spot. Minimize these problems by providing good air circulation and well-draining soil. Crown rot can also occur, necessitating the removal of affected plants.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
No Flower Spikes:
- Plant may be in its first year of growth.
- Plant receives insufficient sun or water.
- Plant has received excessive fertilizer.
Shabby Appearance in Summer:
- Remove flower stalks to potentially stimulate a second flush of flowers in early fall.
- Consider removing the entire plant once flowering is complete, especially if it is a second-year plant.
Additional Tips
- Wear gloves when handling foxgloves, as they can be mildly toxic.
- Companion plants for foxgloves include lupines, delphiniums, and columbines.
- Foxgloves attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foxgloves be grown from seed?
Yes, foxgloves can be grown from seeds, but they typically bloom in their second year. Some cultivars are bred for first-year blooms.
Are foxgloves perennials?
Common foxgloves are biennial, meaning they complete their life cycle in two years. However, there are some true perennial foxglove species, such as Digitalis grandiflora and Digitalis obscura.
How can I prevent crown rot in foxgloves?
Provide well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, and remove dead foliage and debris around the base of the plants.
Are foxgloves poisonous?
Yes, foxgloves are mildly toxic to humans and pets. Ingestion can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and heart problems.