WashingtonGardener: Foxglove Plant Profile

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Foxglove Plant Profile

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a biennial or short-lived herbaceous perennial. The flowers resemble long, tubular bells running along a tall stem and they are commonly found in shades of pink and purple. The foliage is a clump of coarse leaves covered in fine hairs.

It is native to Western Europe and is hardy to zones 4 to 9.

Foxglove prefers full sun to light shade and soils with lots of organic matter and good drainage, although they can grow in most soil conditions.

During the first year of growth the leaves form and then in the second year the tall flower stalks emerge in late spring or early summer.

The flowers are visited by many pollinators including hummingbirds.

The flower spikes make good cut flowers.

Exercise caution though as all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten and the leaves can irritate sensitive skin. This also makes them deer- and rabbit-resistant.

To get a jumpstart on the two-year cycle, sow Foxglove seeds in late summer and they should then bloom for you the following spring.

You can deadhead it after flowering or discard the whole plant. If you want to collect seeds or let it reseed itself in your garden, then allow a few spent flower stalks to remain until the seeds disperse.

Foxglove: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio, Video, Photos, and Text by Kathy Jentz

Editing by Aicha Bangoura

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