Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
The cardiac drug digoxin is derived from foxglove leaves — one of the earliest plant-derived heart medicines, first isolated by William Withering in 1785.
How to care for foxglove
Foxglove is biennial — first year is foliage only, second year flowers and sets seed. Let one stalk go to seed and you'll have a self-renewing patch. Wear gloves: every part is toxic if ingested.
Garden uses & design ideas
Best garden use
Use foxglove as a vertical woodland accent behind ferns, hostas, and spring bulbs, where the tall bells can rise above lower foliage without crowding a narrow path.
Pair it with
Astilbe, Hosta, Hellebore make easy companion choices because they share similar light, water, or visual texture needs.
Layout tip
Match it with part shade exposure, place it in a moderate-water bed where soil can stay evenly damp but not soggy, and check USDA zones 4-8 (biennial in most zones) before planting. Use the garden planner to test spacing around its mature size: 2-5 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide. Regional note: It behaves as a biennial in many gardens, so let a few seed stalks ripen only where self-sown seedlings are welcome and permitted.
Gardener note — Double-check local invasive, edible, and toxicity guidance with your county extension office before planting around pets, children, or natural areas. Regional note: It behaves as a biennial in many gardens, so let a few seed stalks ripen only where self-sown seedlings are welcome and permitted. Safety note: All parts are highly toxic if ingested, so keep foxglove away from edible beds, pets, livestock, and children's play areas, and wash your hands after cutting flowers or removing seed stalks.
Companion plants
Foxglove grows well alongside these — similar light, water, and texture needs.
Common pests & problems
Where it grows best
Native to Western Europe; thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 (biennial in most zones).
Frequently asked about foxglove
What USDA zones does Foxglove grow in?+
Foxglove is hardy in USDA zones 4-8 (biennial in most zones). Outside these zones, it can usually be grown indoors or as a seasonal annual.
How much sun does Foxglove need?+
Foxglove prefers part shade. Place it where it gets that light most of the day for best growth and flowering.
How often should I water Foxglove?+
Foxglove has moderate water needs. Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Foxglove is biennial — first year is foliage only, second year flowers and sets seed. Let one stalk go to seed and you'll have a self-renewing patch. Wear gloves: every part is toxic if ingested.
How big does Foxglove get?+
Foxglove reaches a mature size of 2-5 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide. Growth rate is moderate, so plan spacing accordingly when planting.
What plants grow well with Foxglove?+
Foxglove pairs well with Astilbe, Hosta, Hellebore, Bleeding heart, Ferns. These companions share similar care requirements and don't compete aggressively for resources.
What pests affect Foxglove?+
Common Foxglove problems include aphids; leaf spot fungus; crown rot in wet soil. Catching early signs in routine inspection prevents most damage.
When does Foxglove bloom?+
Foxglove blooms in late spring to early summer in purple, pink, white, yellow, apricot. Deadheading spent flowers (where applicable) often encourages a longer bloom window.
Design a garden with foxglove in minutes
Drag plants into a 3D space, walk through it, or upload a photo and let AI redesign it. Test spacing around its mature size before you plant.
More plants to design with
Pair well with foxglove or suit the same spot.
Perennial
Perennial
Perennial
Perennial
Perennial
PerennialNot sure what to plant where?
Answer 3 quick questions and get a free plant & design plan matched to your space, light, and style.