The summer sun doesn’t only bring out the freckles on our skin but on the tuberous blooms of the tall and stately Foxgloves! Adored for their vertical interest, these spikey specimens are considered classic plants for cottage gardens as their flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators alike.
An eye-catching beauty, Foxglove flowers are clusters of tubular-shaped blooms in colours of white, lavender, yellow, pink, red, and purple. Many varieties are biennials that live for only two growing seasons, but some species can survive as perennials in hardy climates.
Care & Maintenance of Foxgloves:
Botanical Name: Digitalis purpurea
Light: Full sun, partial sun, or partial shade
Soil: Rich, well-draining soil that’s acidic, with a pH under 6.0
Water: Keep the soil moist, but not soaked. Ensure watering if dry spells during the summer months.
Fertilizer: Mulch around the plant to prepare for winter, and apply compost and slow-release fertilizer (5-10-5) around the base of the plant in early spring to encourage growth.
Hardiness: Gardening zones 4 – 10
Growth: 2- 6′ tall | 1-2′ wide
Overwintering: Cut spent foxglove back to the crown, then cover in a blanket of mulch to insulate it for the winter.
Toxicity: Highly toxic to humans and pets
