Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a striking wildflower with tall, elegant spires of purple-spotted pink flowers that can reach up to 5 feet in height. A biennial or short-lived perennial, this cottage garden favourite adds vertical interest and timeless beauty to borders, woodland edges, and wildlife-friendly spaces.
Foxglove flowers are particularly attractive to bumblebees, providing an abundant source of pollen and nectar, as well as a sheltered overnight roosting site. Once established, they self-seed freely, returning year after year with minimal care.
Key Features:
Botanical name: Digitalis purpurea
Tall flower spikes purple-spotted pink blooms up to 5ft tall
Biennial or short-lived perennial easy to grow from seed
Highly attractive to bumblebees provides pollen, nectar, and roosting spots
Perfect for cottage gardens, wildlife areas, and woodland edges
Thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil
Sow outdoors late spring to early summer for blooms the following year
Note: All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested plant with care around children and pets.
How to Grow Common Foxglove from Seed
Growing Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) from seed is simple and rewarding, producing tall, elegant spikes of purple-spotted pink flowers loved by bumblebees. Follow these steps for the best results:
Sow timing: Sow seeds in spring or summer for strong, healthy seedlings.
Seed sowing: Scatter seeds on the surface of compost or well-drained soil do not cover, as foxglove seeds require light to germinate.
Temperature: Keep the soil between 1520C (5968F) for optimal germination.
Seedling care: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 23 weeks.
Hardening off: When seedlings are established and all risk of frost has passed, harden them off outdoors for 710 days before planting in their final position.
Planting location: Foxgloves thrive in partial shade, woodland edges, and cottage garden borders with moist, well-drained soil.
Maintenance: Once established, foxgloves will self-seed and return year after year with minimal care, providing vertical interest and supporting pollinators like bumblebees.
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