There are few sights more iconic in the British summertime than the tall, majestic spikes of the foxglove rising from a shady hedgerow or brightening a woodland glade. These stately plants have captured our imagination for centuries, appearing in our folklore, our medicine cabinets, and our cottage gardens. But how much do you really know about this familiar flower?
Whether you are an avid gardener hoping to cultivate them or a nature lover spotting them on a woodland walk, there is always more to discover about the foxglove.
What is a Foxglove?
The foxglove is a flowering plant belonging to the genus Digitalis. While we often think of the common purple variety, there are actually around 20 different species of perennials, shrubs, and biennials within this genus. They were traditionally placed in the Scrophulariaceae (figwort) family, but recent genetic research has reclassified them into the Plantaginaceae (plantain) family.
The most familiar species here in the UK is Digitalis purpurea. The name Digitalis comes from the Latin for ‘finger’, referring to the shape of the flowers which can be slipped over a fingertip like a thimble. The common name ‘foxglove’ has a slightly murkier etymology. Some believe it derives from ‘folks’ glove’—referring to the ‘good folk’ or fairies—while others suggest it relates to an old myth that foxes wore the flowers on their paws to silence their movements while hunting.
A Closer Look at the Plant
Foxgloves are renowned for their height and elegance. During their first year of growth, the biennial varieties form a low basal rosette of soft, hairy, green leaves. It is in the second year that the magic happens. The plant sends up a tall, strong central spike, often reaching heights of 1 to 2 metres (3 to 6 feet).
Adorning this spike are numerous tubular, bell-shaped flowers. In the wild species, these are typically a deep purplish-pink, though white variations do occur naturally. If you peer inside one of these bells, you will see a beautiful pattern of spots—usually dark purple surrounded by white—on the lower lip of the flower. These spots act as ‘nectar guides’ or landing strips, directing pollinators like bumblebees deep into the flower to find the nectar reward.
Garden cultivars have expanded the colour palette significantly. You can now find foxgloves in shades of apricot, creamy yellow, deep rose, and pure white, allowing for wonderful variety in garden design.
Where and How Foxgloves Grow
One of the reasons foxgloves are so beloved is their adaptability. In the wild, you will often find them colonising disturbed ground. This is why they spring up so readily in woodland clearings where a tree has fallen, on heathlands, sea cliffs, and along roadside verges.
Growing Conditions
Foxgloves generally thrive in partial shade. They are the perfect solution for that tricky spot in the garden where sun-loving annuals struggle. They prefer soil that is rich in organic matter and well-drained, but they are remarkably unfussy and will tolerate a range of soil types, provided they do not become waterlogged.
The Lifecycle
Most common foxgloves are biennials. This means their lifecycle spans two years:
- Year One: The plant grows leaves and establishes a strong root system.
- Year Two: The plant flowers, sets seed, and then dies.
Because they seed so freely, once you have foxgloves in your garden, you rarely have to replant them. They will self-seed, dropping thousands of tiny seeds around the base of the mother plant. With a little editing (moving the seedlings to where you want them), you can have a perpetual display year after year.
Benefits and Disadvantages
The foxglove is a plant of contradictions, offering immense beauty and biological value while harbouring a potent secret.
The Benefits: A Wildlife Haven
For wildlife-friendly gardening, the foxglove is indispensable. They are particularly valuable for long-tongued bees, such as the garden bumblebee (Bombus hortorum). The shape of the flower is perfectly evolved to accommodate these bees, which are the only insects large enough to push their way into the tube and robust enough to trigger pollination.
By planting foxgloves, you are providing a vital nectar source in early to mid-summer, helping to support declining pollinator populations.
The Disadvantages: A Toxic Beauty
It is crucial to remember that all parts of the foxglove plant are highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, specifically digoxin and digitoxin. These compounds affect the heart rate and can be fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.
However, this toxicity is also the source of its greatest benefit to modern medicine. The drug Digoxin, derived from the plant, has saved countless lives by treating heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure. It is a powerful reminder that nature often holds the cure as well as the poison.
Safety Tip: Always wear gloves when handling foxgloves or collecting their seeds, and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Ensure children are taught not to eat any part of the plant.
Folklore, Myths, and Poetry
A plant as visually striking as the foxglove inevitably captures the cultural imagination. It is steeped in folklore, often associated with the fae and the supernatural.
In many parts of Britain and Ireland, it was considered unlucky to bring foxgloves inside the house, as it was believed they belonged to the fairies and picking them would incur their wrath. Conversely, growing them in the garden was thought to protect the household.
Poets have long been inspired by their beauty. Mary Webb, the Shropshire poet and novelist, wrote of them:
“The foxglove bells, with lolling tongue, / Will not reveal what peals were rung / In Faery, in Faery, / A thousand ages gone.”
This connection to the hidden world of ‘Faery’ adds a layer of enchantment to the plant. When you watch a bee disappear inside a foxglove bell, shaking the flower as it moves, it is easy to see why our ancestors believed these flowers held magical properties.
Inviting Nature into Your Garden
Whether you have a sprawling country estate or a small, shady courtyard, the foxglove is a wonderful addition. It brings vertical interest, supports our precious bumblebees, and connects us to a rich history of folklore and healing.
Next time you see a foxglove standing tall in a hedgerow or lighting up a woodland edge, take a moment to admire it. It is a survivor, a lifesaver, and a true icon of the natural world. Why not scatter a few seeds this year and watch the magic unfold in your own garden?
Further Reading: Discover Nature’s Bounty Foraging for Food and Fun, Foraging in January: A Winter’s Treasure Hunt, The Art of Foraging: Unlocking Nature’s Bounty Sustainably, Eat Weeds!
Inspiration: Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Pinterest, Twitter, BlueSky