Plant Type

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

 

Height Range

3-6'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Purple, White, Multi-Colored

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green, Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, High

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Poisonous

Design Styles

English Cottage

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Naturalizing

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds

Common Foxglove can grow 2 to 5 feet, depending on the variety. Flowers occur along tall spikes and are tubular (resembling the tips of the fingers of a pair of gloves). Colors range through soft to stronger pastels. Blooms mid spring to early summer, and begins to fade as the summer's heat comes on. A classic cottage garden flower and beautiful in vases.

Foxglove need rich, amended soil that is very well draining. Wet soils are its death. Prefers part sun, with shade being provided during the hottest part of the day. Deadheading can encourage new flowering, though leaving flowers to go to seed may invite new plants for the following season. The basal foliage is practically evergreen, though it does get very tatty over winter and the worst leaves should be cut away as new growth comes on in the spring. Leaves are toxic if ingested. Though biennial, we've included this plant in the annuals listing as it is frequently used that way.