Foxgloves
Overview:
Yes, foxgloves can grow in zone 9b! Foxgloves are the quintessential cottage flower. The long floral spikes paired with their tubular flowers make for a bumble bee dream palace. I love pairing these with delphiniums, snapdragons, and bells of Ireland in the garden for a truly magical, whimsical feel. With a few tips and tricks, and variety selection you can grow them in your garden! NOTE: Foxgloves are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Safe alternatives would be snapdragons and hollyhocks.
These flowers are typically biannuals but breeders have crafted varieties that will bloom in their first year. They are hardy to zone 4, so if you live in a colder zone you can still grow the varieties. Typical foxgloves are biannual meaning they take two years to flower then they die. First year flowering varieties bloom the first year. plant FYF plants so they can bloom their first year, because they would not survive our summers in zone 9b. Plant in the fall to enjoy blooms in spring.
Starting seeds:
When picking out seeds make sure you pick varieties that flower their first year. Sometimes they are labeled as ‘FYF’ first-year flowering or ‘NO-VERN’ no vernalization required aka cold.
These seeds are actually fairly easy to germinate. I start them inside in late August until early October typically. Seeds are surface sown, just like snapdragons.
The hardest part of growing these flowers from seeds is giving them enough airflow and making sure they dry out in between waterings. They are very prone to dampening off especially when they are in a warm room. Make sure to use a good fan to help promote air flow.
When to plant outdoors:
Late September- December are ideal planting times for Digitalis.
Spacing:
9-12” apart
Sun:
Full sun 6+ hours
Flower Support:
Not typically needed. If growing in a high-wind area, then I would suggest using Hortonova netting or Peony Cages. Find our favorite support area here.
Fertilizing: Digitalis are heavy feeders. Give High nitrogen fertilizer to encourage growth in young plants. Weekly liquid fertilizing is also advised for optimal blooms. Find out favorite fertilizer here.
Typical bloom time:
March & April, occasionally into May.
Succession plant?
Yes, I usually plant two successions of Digitalis. They will send up one large stem paired with a few smaller stems that are perfect for use in bouquets. I usually have Foxgloves bloom as early as January in my containers and as late as April in the ground. They will continue to bloom up the spike making them a great garden flower.
Favorite varieties: (all FYF)
Typical foxgloves are biannual meaning they take two years to flower then they die. First year flowering varieties bloom the first year. plant FYF plants so they can bloom their first year, because they would not survive our summers in zone 9b. Fall plant, to enjoy blooms in spring.
Foxglove ‘Camelot rose’ (above)
Digitalis ‘Camelot Lavender’ (above)
Camelot- This series usually starts blooming right after the Dalmatian. Camelot Lavender brings a soft pastel vibe that every spring garden needs. Camelot's usually have the biggest spikes if you are looking for a statement
Digitalis ‘Dalmatian apricot’
The Dalmatian series of the earliest series to bloom. Their elegant colors always pair well with so many other flowers. Not too many series come in this color so its always fun to have these blooms with their peachy apricot tones.
Foxglove Panther 'Pink'
The panther series is the most compact variety that we currently grow. They top out at 2-2 1/2' tall with a great branching habit to them. You will get 4-7 mid size blooms from each plant instead of one giant bloom. I have been told by florists they prefer to grow varieties like this. More stems for them to cut, and much easier to work into bouquets than giant ones (I keep those for the garden!).
Foxglove pairings:
Why not pair foxgloves with other foxgloves?! There is never too many! Ha! We paired all three of our favorites together. Camelot is the tallest (Lavender pictured) then Dalmatian (apricot) then Panther (pink).
Does it get any dreamier than this?! We have foxgloves and delphinums towering over the back of the container garden, with a sea of butterfly ranunculus. Pictured Foxglove camelot 'Lavender' Foxglove dalmation 'Peach' Foxglove Panther 'pink' Delphinium Candle shades 'Light blue' Butterfly ranunculus 'musa' 'Thiva' and 'Charis'.
In our purple theme garden we paired foxgloves with dracenas, cabbages and lavender for a stunning combo.
Foxgloves and delphiniums make the best spring duo for statements in the garden.
Find all of our favorite foxglove seeds here.
