Annual · Plantaginaceae family
common foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
In short a 10-second read
Common foxglove (annual) grows to 0.8–1.5 m tall and 0.3–0.75 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil. It flowers in June–July; the flowers are purple, pink, white or yellow. Hardy to −32 °C.
× spread 0.3–0.75 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil. Hardy to −32 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average · watering: moderate
Soil: loamy, humus-rich, sandy
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 1–2 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
June–July · purple, pink, white or yellow
Pruning
cut back by a third (July–August)
Planting
direct sowing: May; transplant outdoors: August
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −32 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −32 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does common foxglove flower?
In June–July; the flowers are purple, pink, white or yellow.
Does common foxglove tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does common foxglove need?
At maturity 0.3–0.75 m wide and 0.8–1.5 m tall; recommended spacing 40 cm.
Does common foxglove survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −32 °C.
Toxicity
Where the data comes from
We compared the data in 12 expert sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (12)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Plants For A Future
- ŠOP SR — invázne nepôvodné druhy rastlín vzbudzujúce obavy Únie
- AOPK ČR — invazní rostliny
- RHS - Digitalis purpurea
- RHS - Digitalis purpurea
- RHS - How to grow annuals and biennials
- Perennials.com
- Perennials.com
- Tox Info Suisse — Giftige Garten- und Wildpflanzen
- BfR / GIZ — Liste giftiger Pflanzenarten
- Giftzentrale Bonn (GIZ Bonn)
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