Foxglove requires moist (not wet) soils and resents drying out. To ensure these conditions, apply liberal quantities of organic matter to the soil before planting and again in spring before plants are in active growth. The only maintenance required is to remove the dead flower spikes. Do this as the flowers are spent and before the plants put energy into seed production. Remember to leave a few seedpods if you want more plants.
Perennial foxglove (also known by the botanical name Digitalis grandiflora) is one of the few truly perennial foxgloves. Most other foxgloves are biennial—they produce leaves one year, flower the next, produce seeds, then die. Perennial foxglove, on the other hand, lasts in the garden for years. In mild climates, its foliage is evergreen. The pale yellow spikes blend well with almost every other shade, so it’s easy to combine it with other plants. Like its shorter-lived relatives, it makes an excellent cut flower; for best results, cut stems when about half their buds have opened.
ZONES: 4–8
BLOOM TIME: Early summer, with repeat bloom until fall
LIGHT: Full to part sun
HEIGHT: 30–36 inches
INTEREST: Pale yellow flowers
Perennial foxglove is a versatile plant that tolerates both full sun and part shade. The pale yellow flowers look best when planted next to hot-colored flowers; they manage to get your attention without making a scene. Perennial foxglove is equally at home in a formal perennial garden, mixed border, or naturalized woodland setting.