Towering spires that add cottage garden drama
| Type | Biennial / short-lived perennial |
|---|---|
| Zones | 4–9 |
| Sun | Part shade to full sun |
| Height | 3–5 feet |
| Bloom Season | Late spring to early summer |
| Vase Life | 5–7 days |
| Start | Start seed the year before bloom, or buy second-year plants |
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) produces towering spikes of tubular, spotted blooms that are unmistakable in the garden and dramatic in a vase. As a biennial, it grows foliage the first year and blooms the second, which requires planning ahead—but the reward is one of the tallest, most striking cut flowers available.
'Camelot' series blooms in the first year from early sowing, which is unusual for foxglove. Traditional types like 'Excelsior' and 'Alba' are taller but require the two-year cycle. Colors include pink, purple, white, apricot, and cream, all with characteristic spotted throats.
Start seed in summer for blooms the following year. Surface sow—seeds need light. Transplant to a spot with afternoon shade in hot climates or full sun in cooler areas. Space 18 inches apart. Foxgloves prefer rich, moist, slightly acidic soil. They often self-sow, giving you new plants each year once established.
Note: all parts of foxglove are toxic if ingested. Handle normally for cutting but keep away from children and pets.
Cut when the lower flowers are open and the upper portion is in bud. The remaining buds will open in the vase over several days. Harvest in morning and condition in deep water.
Foxglove is a dramatic line flower. Use it for height in large garden-style arrangements with peonies, sweet peas, and ferns. It pairs beautifully with other late spring flowers.