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Ask a Gardening QuestionBeginner Gardening Questions & Guides: First time gardener questionsDo Foxgloves flower each year?

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Do Foxgloves flower each year?

#1 · 17th April 2022, 7:47 am

I have a foxglove in my garden

location is north-facing with soil on the alkaline side

last year it did flower a bit but I did have to remove bits after flowering as the plants looked a bit unhealthy on stem and leaves etc

This is my foxglove now

How can I make the plant grow healthily as it seems to be OK generally but there is a problem with some disease or insect infestation

I have included a photo for you reference

Thanks

Uploaded files:

#2 · 19th April 2022, 11:37 am

Hi Sriram,

Thanks for the question about UK Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea).

Most native Foxgloves are biennial which means they put on vegetative growth in year one then flower in year two before dying. They only live for two years but will self seed everywhere if the flowers are left until the seed ripen.

So once it's finished flowering the plant seeds and then dies. There are a few newly hybridized Foxgloves and other species that are perennial such as Digitalis grandiflora and Digitalis lutea.

The best way to ensure you get repeat Foxgloves in the garden is to let the seed head ripen (turn crispy) then cut them off and shake them where you want the next years Foxgloves to grow. After a few years of this you will get them every year!

Happy gardening.

Lee