Foxgloves (Digitalis): How to Grow, Care For & Enjoy These Cottage Garden Icons
Foxgloves (Digitalis) are among the most enchanting cottage‑garden plants, known for their tall spires of bell‑shaped blooms in shades of pink, purple, apricot, white and creamy yellow. Perfect for pollinators and ideal for planting in partial shade, they bring height, drama, and effortless elegance to borders and woodland edges. In this guide, we’ll show you how to grow and care for them — and highlight some of our favourite foxglove varieties available right now at Dartana Plants.
🌸 What Makes Foxgloves So Special?
Foxgloves produce tall, upright flower spikes covered in intricate tubular blooms loved by bees and butterflies. Their classic cottage‑garden look blends beautifully with ferns, hostas, grasses, salvias, heucheras, primulas, penstemons, and shade-loving perennials.
- They thrive in partial shade but tolerate sun if soil remains moist.
- They prefer well‑drained, humus‑rich soil.
- Most Digitalis varieties are biennial or short-lived perennials, forming a leafy rosette in year one and flowering in year two.
- Many varieties self-seed gently, naturalising into stunning drifts over time.
For even more foxglove inspiration, explore the Dartana collection:
👉 View all Foxgloves at Dartana Plants
🌱 How to Grow Foxgloves Successfully
1. Planting Location
Choose a spot with dappled shade or morning sun/afternoon shade. Borders alongside hedges, fences, or tree lines are ideal.
2. Soil Preparation
Dig through organic matter before planting. Good drainage prevents crown rot and encourages strong root development.
3. Watering
Keep soil moist (not waterlogged). Water at the base to avoid wet foliage, which can encourage fungal issues.
4. Deadheading & Flowering
After flowering, remove spent spikes to prolong bloom time or encourage a second flush.
If you want natural self-seeding, leave a few seed heads intact.
5. Toxicity Note
All parts of Digitalis are toxic if ingested, so handle with care and avoid planting near pets or toddlers.
🌼 Top Dartana Foxgloves to Grow in Your Garden
Below are the foxglove varieties currently found in your Dartana store, naturally linked throughout the blog:
Digitalis 'Berry Canary' – A Brilliant Modern Hybrid
This vibrant Digiplexis cross produces hot pink blooms with creamy-yellow throats all summer long — often flowering much longer than traditional Digitalis.
👉 Shop Digitalis 'Berry Canary' (5 Pack, 5cm Plugs)
Foxglove 'Goldcrest' – Warm-Yellow Elegance
A stunning selection producing warm gold and apricot bells, perfect for brightening shadier corners or adding soft contrast to purple varieties.
👉 Shop Foxglove 'Goldcrest' (Pack of 3 Jumbo Plugs)
Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' – Pure White Beauty
Known for its elegant white tubular flowers, 'Snow Thimble' is perfect for moon gardens and shade borders.
Foxglove 'Pam’s Choice' – Cottage Garden Classic
A timeless variety with cream bells speckled in deep maroon — an instant cottage‑garden showstopper.
👉 Shop Foxglove 'Pam’s Choice'
🌿 Companion Planting for Foxgloves
Foxgloves pair beautifully with:
- Hostas
- Heucheras
- Ferns
- Primulas
- Penstemons
- Campanulas
- Hardy geraniums
- Astilbes
This combination creates layered height and texture, especially in semi‑shaded woodland borders.
🛒 Why Buy Foxgloves from Dartana Plants?
- UK-grown in a family nursery
- Strong, garden-ready plug plants
- Eco‑friendly packaging using R‑PET and moisture-retaining wraps
- Royal Mail Tracked delivery for fresh arrival
- Personal advice from Martin whenever you need it
❓ FAQs About Foxgloves
Are foxgloves poisonous?
Yes — all parts are toxic. Wear gloves when handling.
Do foxgloves return every year?
Most are biennials but self-seed freely, giving the effect of perennial return.
Do foxgloves attract wildlife?
Absolutely — they are bee magnets, especially bumblebees.
Where should I plant foxgloves?
In light shade with moist, rich, well-drained soil.
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