Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Foxgloves

Lois writes~ I have Foxglove which come back from the same plant for a few years in a row before they give out. They have many spires and are more beautiful the second/third year. Some won't last more than one year and they cost me the most to buy (in big cans). Those bloom great the first spring and then only produce 2nd bloom the rest of the year and never reseed. They just look ratty and die about now (September). Should I just give up buying in big cans ($7 ea.) and just plant pony packs about now (fall)? Would I have vigorous, tall plants in the spring if I fertilize well in spring also?

A. I wish I could remember where you live, but assume that since you asked about planting small plants this fall and feeding them in the spring that you do not suffer frosts or minor ones if that. If I am wrong, then do not plant until spring because they would die in the winter.

Foxglove is best the first year and the second [they usually live two years] can be good if you have trimmed out dead flowers religiously the first season, fed and watered well, and cut them back and mulched through the winter. Feeding should start as soon as you see bud break and tiny green growth, not before, as it would interrupt the dormancy.

If you are not getting plants from seeds, nor dividing the clumps in the spring, I recommend that you buy the small plants yearly and grow new, fresh plants which will give you the prime performance.

Here is some information from Garden Guides:

Foxgloves thrive in Zones 4-10 except in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. In temperate climates they prefer light shade, but in hot areas they should be kept in partial to full shade. They do best in moist but well-drained, slightly acid soil.

Plant foxgloves 15 to 18 inches apart. Start biennial foxgloves from seed in summer for bloom the next year. Perennial foxgloves can be started by dividing and resetting clumps in early spring or fall, but are more commonly grown from seeds. Sow the seeds in mid-to late spring to get flowers the following summer. In exposed areas, staking may be required for taller varieties. Good mulching is a must. To prevent overcrowding, divide clumps after three or four years of flowering. In areas where the growing season is at least 150 days, foxgloves will self-seed readily, making them an excellent candidate for naturalizing.

Type: biennial
Propagation: seeds, divisions in spring
Light: shade, part shade, sun
Flower Color: white, yellow, pink, rose, red, lavender and purple
Height: 2-6 feet
Width: 18 inches
Soil Requirements: acid, moderately rich, average moisture Uses: shady beds and borders, naturalizing in woodland areas and along roadsides.