Plant Foxglove: The Original Source of Digitalis Heart Medicine

The Common Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea (digitalis meaning 'finger-like'), is a prolific member¹ of the family Plantaginaceae. It produces sturdy spikes of pink-to-purple flowers² that are an abundant source of digoxin and other cardiac glycosides. An extract was first utilized for treatment in the eighteenth century, digitalis is often used for patients suffering congestive heart failure. Foxglove is still used in the production of digitalis today.³

The source of such strong medications, the entire plant is toxic, and should not be consumed.

Foxglove's Special Qualities

One of the most charming qualities about foxglove, other than its beautiful speckled flowers, is its durability. In addition, foxglove thrives in sandy, loamy soil and in partial sun to full shade-it is often difficult to find showy flowers that do well in shade. In addition, its relative height suggests it should be planted behind other shade-loving flowers. Foxglove may be grown in Zones 3 - 9.

Sowing and Reaping

To sow the seed, simply prepare the seedbed-perhaps adding a touch of compost-and sprinkle the seeds in. There is no need to provide a substantial soil covering. Although foxglove can grow up to six feet tall, generally it doesn't reach that height, but typically grows to three-and-a-half to four feet. Hybrid varieties can be obtained that do not grow so tall, and that do well in full sun.

Mostly Biennial

Normally foxglove is biennial, which means the plant survives for two years; however, foxglove self-seeds, so there will likely be no need to replant. Since they are biennial, heavy flowering should not be expected in the first season of planting, though profuse blooming can be expected in the second season. The beauty is worth the wait, as it often is with biennials.

A Perennial Variety

There are forms of foxglove that have been developed, which are truly perennial, namely the form alternately called Digitalis grandiflora or Digitalis ambigua, which produces multiple spikes of yellow flowers.

¹ The United States Department of Agriculture indicates foxglove is sometimes considered invasive, or weedy. However, with modest effort, it can be controlled in a small home flower garden.
² Other colors are available.
³ Georgetown University Medical Center - Foxglove

Texas A&M - Department of Horticultural Sciences - Aggie Horticulture - Foxglove

BBC - Gardeners' World.com - "How to... sow foxglove seeds"

University of Saskatchewan - "Foxglove - A 'Foxy' Flower for Shady Gardens"