Digitalis Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 24th Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Digitalis plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Foxglove: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the Digitalis plant genus are usually hardy perennials or biennials, but are often grown as annuals or biennials in the garden.

They range in height from 60 to 180 cm (2 to 7 feet) and have beautiful tubular pink, orange, yellow or cream freckled flowers that grow on a spire. Plants bloom from the end of spring to the end of summer.

The common name for Digitalis is foxglove, and it makes an ideal border plant.

Digitis Purpurea – Common Foxglove by Jörg Hempel

Digitalis white foxglove by Echoforsberg.

How to Grow Foxglove (Digitalis)

The seeds of Digitalis can be planted out in the middle of spring or autumn. They should be sown on the surface at about 50 cm apart.

They like to grow in the sun but it is probably best to grow them in an area that is partially shaded in the afternoon.

Foxgloves like to grow in a soil that is both moist and rich, ideally with a pH of 6 to 7.5.

If you prefer to start growing foxglove seedlings indoors first then they should be prepared about ten weeks before they are due to be transplanted into the garden in late autumn, a few weeks before the first frost of winter.

Members of Digitalis usually take about two or three weeks to germinate at 15 to 18 degrees Centigrade.

Caring for Digitalis plant species such as Foxglove in the Garden

Once growing in the garden foxgloves require regular watering, and they prefer a moist soil, so water sufficiently. At the end of the flowering season the inflorescence should be cut back to the ground.

It is best to replace Digitalis plants every two or three years to maintain their beautiful appearance in the garden.

Common Questions

How many members does the Digitalis genus have?

The Digitalis genus includes approximately 20 species.

Do members of Digitalis make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Digitalis, known as Foxgloves, are popular in gardens for their striking, bell-shaped flowers.

Which Digitalis species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Digitalis purpurea (Common Foxglove) is the most commonly grown species in this genus.

Are members of the Digitalis plant genus fragrant?

Digitalis plants are not particularly fragrant but are admired for their showy flowers.

What is the perfect location to grow Digitalis?

Digitalis grows best in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.

Is Digitalis invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Digitalis purpurea is naturalized in some parts of the USA but is not generally considered invasive.

How do I remove Digitalis plants from my garden?

Remove Digitalis by uprooting the plants, ensuring to remove all roots to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Digitalis genus, commonly known as Foxgloves, includes around 20 species of biennial and perennial plants native to Europe, western Asia, and northwestern Africa. They're known for their tall, dramatic spikes of bell-shaped flowers, which are often patterned inside.

Digitalis plants thrive in partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in late summer or spring. As many are biennials, they typically flower in their second year. All parts of the Digitalis plant are poisonous if ingested, so they should be planted with caution around children and pets.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Digitalis plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Plantaginaceae growing guides: How to grow Speedwell and Chelone plants.