Foxgloves in Penrhiwgoch

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove
Foxglove · Digitalis purpurea

A hardy biennial for UK gardens, foxgloves are usually grown from seed sown in early summer, then moved to their flowering position once plants are sturdy. They flower the following year and often self-seed freely, so leave a few spikes if you want them to return. All parts are toxic, so wear gloves and wash hands after handling.

150 cm · Partial Shade · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Penrhiwgoch · last frost ≈ 6 May

Sow May to August, plant out September to October, harvest March to May. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
SowNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYesNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNo
HarvestNoNoYesYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Foxglove

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds

    6 May to 6 Aug

    Sow thinly around 6th May - 6th August in trays, modules, or a prepared seedbed. Use a light covering of compost and keep the surface just moist. Wear gloves when handling seed and plants, and wash your hands after sowing because every part of the plant is toxic.

  2. 02

    Thin Seedlings

    12 Jul to 2 Aug

    When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out so the strongest plants can develop without crowding. Keep the compost or soil evenly moist, but don't let it stay soggy.

  3. 03

    Transplant Young Plants

    1 Sept to 6 Oct

    Move sturdy young plants to their final positions around 1st September - 6th October. Space them apart in moist, free-draining soil with some light shade, then water them in thoroughly straight away.

  4. 04

    Protect and Grow On

    18 Sept to 17 Nov

    From 18th September, keep plants watered in dry spells and protect them from slugs, which can badly damage young rosettes. If the weather turns sharp after moving them, use fleece or cloches for a short spell until roots take hold.

  5. 05

    Flower and Deadhead

    17 Mar to 16 May

    Flowers should open from 17th March and can continue through 16th May the following year. Deadhead spent spikes to keep the display going, but leave a few if you want self-sown seedlings for later years.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Foxglove.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Foxglove to consider

Excelsior Hybrids

Mixed-colour foxgloves with tall, dependable flower spikes for cottage gardens.

Sutton's Apricot

A softer apricot-pink form that works well in partial shade.

Alba

A white foxglove with clean-looking spikes that brightens darker corners.

Pam's Choice

Cream flowers with rich maroon markings inside each bloom.

Foxglove guides by town

See how Foxglove timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.