Common foxglove (Purple foxglove)
Digitalis purpurea
Biennial or short-lived perennial with tall spikes of tubular purple-pink flowers; popular ornamental but highly toxic if ingested.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: highly toxic
All parts contain cardiac glycosides (digitalis); ingestion can cause severe cardiac and gastrointestinal symptoms in people and pets.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place foxglove in bright, indirect light or partial shade. Ideal is morning sun with afternoon shade or dappled woodland light. Avoid strong midday sun in hot climates to prevent leaf scorch; indoors keep near a bright window out of direct rays.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry, more frequently for young plants. Reduce frequency after flowering and improve drainage in heavy soils to prevent crown rot.
Humidity
Prefers average outdoor humidity. Indoors, avoid very dry air; use a pebble tray or occasional misting. Maintain good air circulation to reduce fungal problems rather than high constant humidity.
Temperature
Grows well between about 5–24°C (41–75°F). Hardy to cool winters but will suffer if exposed to prolonged high heat above ~24°C (75°F).
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
White powdery coating or leaf spots
Cause: High humidity, poor air circulation or overhead watering encouraging fungal diseases
Solution: Improve airflow, remove infected foliage, avoid wetting leaves, apply appropriate fungicide if severe
Soft crown, wilting and root decay
Cause: Waterlogged or poorly drained soil causing crown/root rot
Solution: Stop watering, lift and replant in well-draining soil or amend with grit, discard severely rotted plants
Chewed leaves and holes
Cause: Slugs, snails or caterpillars feeding on foliage
Solution: Hand-pick at night, use organic slug traps or barriers and apply biological controls for caterpillars
Few or no flowers in second year
Cause: Overcrowding, insufficient winter cold, poor nutrition or inadequate light
Solution: Provide proper winter chilling, thin seedlings, move to brighter spot and apply balanced fertilizer in spring
✂️How to Propagate Common foxglove (Purple foxglove)
By seed: sow surface-sown seeds in late spring or autumn on moist, well-draining seed mix. Do not cover seeds; press lightly. Keep at 15–20°C and maintain moisture; germination typically 2–4 weeks. Thin seedlings to 30–45 cm spacing. By division: lift clumps in spring or autumn, separate healthy rosettes with roots intact and replant immediately, firm soil and water in.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Plantaginaceae
Native to: Native to western and southwestern Europe, including the British Isles.
Natural Habitat: Grows along woodland edges, hedgerows and disturbed ground in cool temperate regions; favors well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soils and dappled shade.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Mulch around crowns in colder areas and protect young plants from extreme frost. Most foxgloves are hardy; reduce watering and avoid disturbed roots.
Spring
Sow seed or transplant established plants. Feed lightly with balanced fertilizer, thin crowded seedlings and stake tall flower spikes as needed.
Summer
Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage more bloom and prevent excessive self-seeding. Water deeply during dry spells and monitor for pests and mildew.
Fall
Collect seeds from spent spikes if desired. Divide congested clumps in mild climates and add a layer of mulch to protect crowns over winter.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Are foxgloves poisonous to pets?
Yes. All parts are highly toxic; keep out of reach of pets and children and seek help if ingested.
How do I get foxgloves to flower?
Ensure they experience cold winter conditions, give bright indirect light, thin rosettes and avoid transplanting in the spring of flowering year.
Can I grow foxglove from seed indoors?
Yes. Surface-sow on moist mix, keep at 15–20°C, maintain moisture and transplant when true leaves appear.
Do foxgloves like full sun?
They prefer partial shade or morning sun with afternoon shade; full hot sun can scorch leaves in warm climates.
Should spent foxglove flowers be removed?
Deadhead to tidy plants and prolong bloom, or leave some seedheads if you want natural self-seeding.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025