How to Care for Fox Glove Flowers

Overview

Foxglove is a genus of flowering herbaceous perennials consisting of about 20 different species native to Europe, Asia and Africa. Foxglove produces bright, showy flowers in late spring that can be a wide variety of different colors, depending on the species and cultivar. It can grow to about 30 inches in height and is easy to grow in most temperate climates around the world.

Step 1

Sow foxglove seeds during spring in a location that receives full sunlight throughout the entire day. Ensure the soil is loose, well-drained and fertile for optimal growth. Spread a thin layer of straw mulch over the seeds after planting to reduce the drying of the soil and to induce germination. Keep the soil consistently moist until growth emerges.

Step 2

Water foxglove flowers twice per week during the growing season, but only on weeks that receive no substantial rainfall. Reduce frequency of watering to once per week during winter. Do not allow the soil to become soggy, or the roots may rot.

Step 3

Feed foxglove plants twice per year, once in early spring just before growth and again in late summer after blooming has ended. Use a 5-10-5 NPK fertilizer to provide the proper nutrients for growth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper dosage and application.

Step 4

Remove foxglove flower spikes as soon as the final flower drops. Pinch the spike off as close to the crown as possible, and a new spike will grow to replace it shortly thereafter. Allow some spikes to turn to seed if additional plants are desired the following year.

Step 5

Spread evergreen boughs over foxglove plants in late fall, just before the first frost of winter. This will help insulate the soil and protect foxglove from the freezing and thawing of the soil throughout the winter. Remove the boughs in spring after average daytime temperatures have warmed to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.