perennial

Foxy Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea 'Foxy'

The Story

Plant Bio

Digitalis purpurea 'Foxy' is a perennial biennial plant known for its tall, upright spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers in a vibrant purple hue, with lush, lance-shaped foliage that forms a dense rosette at the base.

A compact, first-year flowering foxglove, 'Foxy' produces spikes of bell-shaped flowers in a mix of colors including cream, pink, and purple, all with speckled throats.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesFoxy foxglove provides striking vertical interest with its tall flower spikes, attracting pollinators and adding color to shaded gardens.
Practical UsesIts ability to thrive in partial shade and moist soil makes it a versatile choice for shaded borders and woodland gardens.
Ecological BenefitsSupports bees and butterflies, contributing to local biodiversity.
SpeciesDigitalis purpureaFoxglove

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

30 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist, well-drained

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Biennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

All parts are highly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early summer – Late summer

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
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S
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In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
  2. Keep soil consistently moist for best germination.
  3. Provide partial shade in hotter climates.
  4. Support tall flower spikes with stakes.
  5. Water regularly during dry spells.
  6. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage rebloom.

Pro Tip

Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before last frost for earlier blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Support tall stems with staking ❌
  • Deadhead spent flowers for continuous bloom

Don't

  • Avoid dry, drought conditions ❌
  • Don’t let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid excessive fertilization

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vertical accent in bordersWildflower meadow edgeShade garden backdrop

Companion Plants

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Foxy Foxglove questions

What zones can Foxy Foxglove grow in?

Foxy Foxglove is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Foxy Foxglove deer resistant?

Yes — Foxy Foxglove is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Foxy Foxglove bloom?

Foxy Foxglove typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Foxy Foxglove need full sun?

Foxy Foxglove does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Keep exploring

Grow Foxy Foxglove with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.