common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora) plant — close-up photo
Easy to grow

common foxglove

Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora

Overview

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora) is an amazing flower that blooms in the summer. It has tall, dense spikes of long tubular flowers that come in shades of white, pink, and purple and its foliage is often described as "fairy-like". This flower most commonly grows in the wild, but can be planted in gardens and is attractive to pollinators. Its wonderful fragrance and pollen-rich nectar make it a favorite of bees and other beneficial insects. It is also a symbol of grace and beauty with it's elegant shape and striking blossoms. Common Foxglove is truly a remarkable flower to behold!

Care Guide

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Watering

Common foxglove should be watered often enough to keep the soil consistently moist, but not so much that it becomes soggy and waterlogged. During the warmer months, water the plant thoroughly once weekly. During cooler months, you may need to water less or more frequently depending on the weather. Make sure to check for soil dryness first before watering.

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Light

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora) thrives best in full sun, meaning 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. This plant species is also tolerant of partial shade, meaning it can survive on only 3-4 hours of direct sunlight per day. For best growth and flowering results, place the common foxglove in a location that receives full sun in the hottest part of the day, typically in the afternoon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. To ensure consistent sunlight for the common foxglove, it should be planted in an area that isn’t exposed to excessive shading from nearby trees or buildings.

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Soil

Humus rich, Well-drained

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Temperature

Hardiness zone 4–8.

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Pruning

When to Prune: Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora) should be pruned back in the spring once new growth begins to emerge. How Much to Prune: When pruning a common foxglove, it is best to cut back by 1-third to 1-half of its total height, depending on the desired size. All leaves, stems, and flower buds should be removed above the cut. Doing this will help keep the habit neat and shapely. Pruning will also encourage bushier growth.

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Propagation

Seed Propagation

Uses & Symbolism

Attracts: Hummingbirds.

Diseases & Pests

Common pests: Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant, Drought resistant.

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