The short answer

Quick Answer

Foxglove thrives in full sun or partial shade or full shade on most soils (pH 5.5-7), free-draining. Reaches 1 to 1.5m tall in flower, 30cm spread. Hardy to around -25°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Cut flower spike down after seed has set if you want to control spread

How: Cut flower spike to ground after flowering. Leave if you want self-seeding

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Western Europe including the UK

Native or exotic: Native to the UK. Common in woodland edges, hedgerows and acid heaths

History: Used medicinally since the 1700s when William Withering documented its use for dropsy, now known as heart failure

Folklore: In folklore, foxgloves were said to be gloves worn by fairies. The Latin name Digitalis refers to a finger, as the flowers fit on a finger like a thimble

Fun fact: The drug digoxin, used to treat heart failure, was originally extracted from foxgloves. The plant is poisonous

Historical medicinal uses: Digoxin is still a prescribed heart medication. Self-medication is dangerous and can be fatal. The whole plant is toxic

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Bumblebees climb right inside the tubular flowers. The spotting on the flowers is thought to guide bees to the nectar [3][4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 5 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 8 out of 10 High. Native plant supporting native bumblebees[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 7 out of 10 Flowering June to August[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs with ferns, hostas, hellebores and other woodland plants

Pest control: Generally pest free. Toxic leaves deter most animals

Common diseases and issues: Generally trouble-free. Crown rot in wet soils

Invasive note: Not invasive. Self-seeds where happy

CGM care note

We plant foxgloves in drifts under deciduous trees where they get spring sun and summer shade. They self-seed and become a permanent feature.

CGM guides mentioning Foxglove

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Foxglove and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Foxglove

How Foxglove fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Hosta (Plantain Lily), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hydrangea, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hardy Garden Ferns, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Astilbe, shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Dicentra (Bleeding Heart), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders
  • Hellebores (Lenten Rose), shares shade tolerance, will not compete for light under trees or along north-facing borders

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Foxglove.

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Foxglove are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Foxglove. The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Digitalis purpurea. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Plantaginaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Albach DC, Meudt HM, Oxelman B (2005). Piecing together the Plantaginaceae. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 37(2), 388-406.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Plantaginaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, soil_type, pollinators.

  4. 4
    Garbuzov M, Ratnieks FLW (2014). Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects. Functional Ecology, 28(2), 364-374.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 5/10 for Foxglove. The pollinator description above ("Bumblebees climb right inside the tubular flowers. The spotting on the flowers is thought to guide bees to the nectar") aligns with this study's finding that moderate-ranked plants attract a steady but not exceptional number of flower-visiting insects. The Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Native plant supporting native bumblebees") reflects the plant's supplementary role in providing nectar during its flowering window (Seasonal highlight: "Flowering June to August"). Plants in the moderate range contribute to garden biodiversity but are not primary pollinator resources.

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 5/10 and the Pollinators description ("Bumblebees climb right inside the tubular flowers. The spotting on the flowers is thought to guide bees to the nectar"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Foxglove's ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("High. Native plant supporting native bumblebees") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Foxglove. The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Foxglove's rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Plantaginaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Foxglove. The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Foxglove. This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Foxglove. The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Foxglove. The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Foxglove. The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Foxglove. This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Foxglove. Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Foxglove performs well locally

Towns where Foxglove is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

View all areas we cover