Purple Foxglove
Best striking floral accents for creating a vibrant garden.
This biennial Purple Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) brings spikes of tubular purple flowers, spotted dark purple inside, to the garden in late spring to early summer. Its flower stalks can reach 3-5 feet in height, with basal leaves spreading 18 to 24 inches. It thrives in full sun to part shade, preferring moist, rich, well-drained soils. Hardy to USDA Zone 4, this European native is deer resistant and attracts bees. Historically significant for its medicinal properties, it's important to note that all parts of the plant are highly poisonous to humans. It is considered invasive in California.
$12.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
3070
/ 4592
#3070 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-57%
Below average
Height
35
/ - feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic vertical interest and vibrant color
- Eco-conscious gardeners wanting to support local wildlife
- Busy gardeners desiring continuous blooms with little fuss
Who should skip it
- Families with young children or pet owners
- Gardeners expecting perennial blooms from their plants
- Individuals with full-sun gardens or heavy clay soils
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Towering floral spikes create a dramatic vertical focal point in gardens.
Pollinator Appeal
Tubular blooms serve as a reliable magnet for local bee populations.
Wildlife Resistance
Natural deer resistance protects your landscape investment from common garden pests.
Hardiness Range
Robust enough to survive harsh winters down to USDA Zone 4.
Safety Profile
High toxicity levels require careful placement away from children and pets.
Maintenance Ease
Thrives in standard garden conditions with minimal ongoing care requirements.
Key Specs
Height
3-5 feet
Spread
18-24 inches
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zone 4
Sun Exposure
Full sun to part shade
Soil Type
Moist, rich, well-drained
Deer Resistant
Yes
Attracts Pollinators
Bees
Know before you buy
As a biennial, this plant typically produces its signature spikes of tubular flowers in late spring to early summer of its second year. Once the flowering cycle is complete, the plant will decline.
No. It is important to exercise extreme caution as all parts of the Purple Foxglove are highly poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
Yes, the Purple Foxglove is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for gardens that frequently experience browsing pressure from local wildlife.
This plant performs best in a location that receives full sun to part shade. It requires soil that is rich in organic matter, consistently moist, and well-drained to prevent root rot.
Given that the basal leaves spread between 18 and 24 inches, you should space your plants at least two feet apart to ensure adequate airflow and room for the foliage to develop.
Yes, the tubular shape of the flowers is specifically attractive to bees, making it an excellent addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
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