Foxglove: Tall, Dramatic, and Not really dangerous
If you’ve ever seen a bouquet or floral arch that stops you in your tracks, chances are good there’s a foxglove (or five) tucked in there doing the heavy lifting.
Foxglove (Digitalis) is one of our favorite line flowers here at Dirt and Blooms (because they’re soooo easy to grow). The crop for this season is just about ready to bloom — those tall, spire-like stems loaded with bell-shaped blooms bring elegance and vertical movement to any arrangement. They’re like the runway models of the garden world: tall, a little aloof, totally unforgettable.
So Many Varieties, So Little Time
We grow both annual and biennial foxglove varieties. The Camelot and Dalmatian series are reliable first-year bloomers — great for gardeners who want results now. But the true garden magic happens when you give the biennials room to settle in. These plants germinate and grow leafy in year one, then explode in year two with towering stalks of bloom.
Colors? Foxglove has you covered:
• Creamy white for timeless bridal looks
• Soft blush and apricot for that romantic garden vibe
• Dusty pinks and purples for moody bouquets
• Speckled throats and ruffled petals for a little drama
Plus, many varieties happily reseed — so one good planting can lead to a patch that keeps on giving (with a little thinning and spacing love from you, of course).
Growing Tips: Easy Elegance
Foxglove is surprisingly easy to grow. Sow seeds indoors in late winter or direct seed in early spring or fall, depending on your zone. They prefer partial shade in hot climates but can handle full sun in cooler ones. Make sure the soil is well-drained — soggy roots are a no-go — and keep them watered as they establish.
They’re not heavy feeders, but a little compost and a balanced fertilizer will keep them looking lush. And don’t forget support! Those statuesque stems can get a bit floppy in heavy rain or wind, so give them something to lean on if needed.
Cutting Instructions: Harvest Like a Pro
Cutting foxglove at the right stage makes all the difference. You’ll want to:
• Harvest when one-third to half of the bottom flowers are open. This ensures the blooms are mature enough to keep opening up the stem after cutting.
• Use clean, sharp snips and harvest in the coolest part of the day, ideally morning.
• Immediately place stems in clean, cool water, and keep them in a shady spot to hydrate for a few hours before designing.
• Foxglove stems are hollow, so they can be a bit finicky with hydration at first. If you notice wilting, try searing the cut ends in boiling water for 7–10 seconds, or give them a fresh snip under water.
Vase Life: Better Than You Think
Foxglove isn’t just a one-day wonder. With proper harvesting and care, you’ll get 5 to 7 days of vase life — sometimes longer, especially if you:
• Strip any foliage below the water line
• Change water daily
• Keep arrangements out of direct sunlight and away from fruit (ethylene gas = early flower demise)
We love foxglove in everything from bridal bouquets to big, show-stopping urn arrangements. It adds height, texture, and that little touch of wild beauty that makes designs feel fresh and natural.
But Isn’t It Poisonous?
Yes — foxglove is toxic if ingested. It contains cardiac glycosides that can affect the heart. But so do plenty of our most beloved cut flowers: delphinium, ranunculus, sweet peas, lily of the valley, hydrangea, and even tulips all have toxic parts.
The important thing? Respect the plant. Don’t eat it, and keep it out of reach of curious pets or tiny humans with an appetite for garden snacks. Foxglove is for admiring, not nibbling — just like you wouldn’t chomp on your favorite candle or sip your perfume.
A Bit of Enchantment
Foxglove brings that fairytale feeling to the garden and the vase. It’s easy to grow, stunning to arrange with, and a true statement flower. Whether you’re dreaming up a floral arch, filling a bucket for bouquet work, or just watching the bees buzz around your patch, foxglove makes everything feel a little more magical. If you’re a fan of cottage core, this flower is a must.
So go ahead — plant some, cut some, and don’t be surprised when you start hearing the word wow a lot.