Search Plants
Try for Free
English
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Foxgloves (Digitalis)
Also known as : fairy finger, fairy thimbles, ladies thimble, rabbits flower, flapdock, scotch mercury
Foxgloves (Digitalis) get their name from the shape of their flowers - they resemble the paws of foxes and other small animals and were first named way back in 1542. In folklore, picking the flower is seen as offensive to nymphs and fairies of the forest, though this was mainly just a way to keep children from plucking the toxic plants.
Lifespan
Biennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Foxgloves
Feedback
Attributes of Foxgloves
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
40 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Foxgloves
Distribution of Foxgloves
Feedback
Distribution Map of Foxgloves
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Foxgloves
Feedback
Foxgloves is a distinctive genus known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers. It thrives in partial shade to full sun, with well-draining, moist soil, and moderate water needs. Temperature preferences vary, but most species are cool-weather tolerant. Pests such as aphids and diseases like powdery mildew can challenge gardeners. Seasonally, foxgloves requires protection from extreme cold in winter and may need support as it grows taller in the growing season. Consistent moisture and avoiding waterlogged conditions are crucial, especially during hot summers and dry spells.
How to Water Foxgloves?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Foxgloves?
How to Propagate Foxgloves?
How to Plant Foxgloves?
Exploring the Foxgloves Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common foxglove
Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a herbaceous flowering plant naturally found in forests, heaths, and mountain grasslands. Common foxglove produces clusters of purple to white tubular flowers, with numerous dark spots on the inner surface. They are very attractive and commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes.
Yellow foxglove
Yellow foxglove (Digitalis grandiflora) is a popular, award-winning ornamental plant that is tall enough to make a great addition to the middle and back areas of borders. Like most foxgloves, all parts of this plant are toxic, containing digitoxin-type glycosides. The flowers are great attractors of bees and butterflies.
Straw foxglove
Straw foxglove sports intricate ivory, bell-shaped blooms on tall spikes. This delicate coloring makes it a popular choice for garden displays. However, it can self-sow and tends to become weedy. Straw foxglove is a toxic plant that causes harm when consumed.
Grecian foxglove
Grecian foxglove (Digitalis lanata) is a common species of foxglove plant. It is most prevalent in Eastern Europe, but can be found on every continent except Antarctica. All portions of the grecian foxglove are toxic and can cause nausea, eyesight problems, and sometimes convulsions.
Hairy foxglove
Hairy foxglove is a fascinating plant with a multitude of interesting traits. Standing out from other plants, this species is known for its unique ability to attract a variety of insects and birds, making it a valuable addition to any garden. Additionally, the hairy foxglove boasts mesmerizing blooms that thrive in a diverse range of ecosystems, making it adaptable and versatile. With its richness in economic value, this plant holds great promise for various industries. Its interesting name origin further adds to its charm, captivating plant enthusiasts and storytellers alike.
Rusty foxglove
It’s almost impossible to miss rusty foxglove growing in the garden. The tall-growing plant is a popular addition to cottage and butterfly gardens. The tall, closely clumped, bright-colored flowers add garden interest in the spring and summer. The flower spikes are also used in bouquets and floral arrangements.
Small yellow foxglove
Small yellow foxglove is adorned with slender spires of small, tubular chocolate-brown flowers, each accentuated with a delicate, creamy-white lip. These intriguing blossoms form tall, elegant stalks that arise from rosettes of lush, green foliage in the summer. Thriving in a variety of conditions, from sun to partial shade, small yellow foxglove adds an air of woodland charm to any garden, enticing bees and other pollinators.
Spanish peaks foxglove
Spanish peaks foxglove stands out for its luscious-looking, raspberry pink flowers that droop in the shape of bells. This is a reliable early summer perennial bloomer that has been noted as a popular choice for gardens since 1999, when it won an award from the Plant Select Organization. It also does well in gardens because it attracts hummingbirds but is not appealing to deer.
All Species of Foxgloves
Common foxglove
Common foxglove
Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a herbaceous flowering plant naturally found in forests, heaths, and mountain grasslands. Common foxglove produces clusters of purple to white tubular flowers, with numerous dark spots on the inner surface. They are very attractive and commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes.
Yellow foxglove
Yellow foxglove
Yellow foxglove (Digitalis grandiflora) is a popular, award-winning ornamental plant that is tall enough to make a great addition to the middle and back areas of borders. Like most foxgloves, all parts of this plant are toxic, containing digitoxin-type glycosides. The flowers are great attractors of bees and butterflies.
Straw foxglove
Straw foxglove
Straw foxglove sports intricate ivory, bell-shaped blooms on tall spikes. This delicate coloring makes it a popular choice for garden displays. However, it can self-sow and tends to become weedy. Straw foxglove is a toxic plant that causes harm when consumed.
Grecian foxglove
Grecian foxglove
Grecian foxglove (Digitalis lanata) is a common species of foxglove plant. It is most prevalent in Eastern Europe, but can be found on every continent except Antarctica. All portions of the grecian foxglove are toxic and can cause nausea, eyesight problems, and sometimes convulsions.
Hairy foxglove
Hairy foxglove
Hairy foxglove is a fascinating plant with a multitude of interesting traits. Standing out from other plants, this species is known for its unique ability to attract a variety of insects and birds, making it a valuable addition to any garden. Additionally, the hairy foxglove boasts mesmerizing blooms that thrive in a diverse range of ecosystems, making it adaptable and versatile. With its richness in economic value, this plant holds great promise for various industries. Its interesting name origin further adds to its charm, captivating plant enthusiasts and storytellers alike.
Rusty foxglove
Rusty foxglove
It’s almost impossible to miss rusty foxglove growing in the garden. The tall-growing plant is a popular addition to cottage and butterfly gardens. The tall, closely clumped, bright-colored flowers add garden interest in the spring and summer. The flower spikes are also used in bouquets and floral arrangements.
Small yellow foxglove
Small yellow foxglove
Small yellow foxglove is adorned with slender spires of small, tubular chocolate-brown flowers, each accentuated with a delicate, creamy-white lip. These intriguing blossoms form tall, elegant stalks that arise from rosettes of lush, green foliage in the summer. Thriving in a variety of conditions, from sun to partial shade, small yellow foxglove adds an air of woodland charm to any garden, enticing bees and other pollinators.
Spanish peaks foxglove
Spanish peaks foxglove
Spanish peaks foxglove stands out for its luscious-looking, raspberry pink flowers that droop in the shape of bells. This is a reliable early summer perennial bloomer that has been noted as a popular choice for gardens since 1999, when it won an award from the Plant Select Organization. It also does well in gardens because it attracts hummingbirds but is not appealing to deer.
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Peach'
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Peach'
With an early blooming and fast-growing habit, the common foxglove 'Dalmatian Peach' is a foxglove cultivar that has tubular blooms of soft peach, with speckles reminiscent of Dalmatian spots along its throat. The common foxglove 'Dalmatian Peach' has won praise for its growth habit, blooms, and visual appearance.
Common foxglove 'Sutton's Apricot'
Common foxglove 'Sutton's Apricot'
The Common foxglove has purple flowers in the wild, but common foxglove 'Sutton's Apricot' is a distinctive cultivar because of the apricot pink flowers for which it is named. This is a popular garden plant for its unusual flowers and because it's easy to grow. It thrives in many parts of the garden and in different soil and shade conditions.
Common foxglove 'Polkadot Princess'
Common foxglove 'Polkadot Princess'
It is clear how common foxglove 'Polkadot Princess' got its name since its trumpet-shaped mauve flowers are filled with dark-purple spots surrounded by white circles. This Common foxglove cultivar barely reaches 1 m and is somewhat shorter than its parent which can reach 2 m. This flower is a particular favorite of bees and hummingbirds.
Digitalis × valinii 'Firebird'
Digitalis × valinii 'Firebird'
Although a short-lived perennial, digitalis × valinii 'Firebird' is still a notable addition to cottage and informal gardens and in patio and container gardens for the beautiful rosettes that bloom on long stems. In 2019, this firebird cultivar took the second-place award in the RHS Chelsea Flower Show's "Plant of the Year" competition.
Common foxglove 'Camelot White'
Common foxglove 'Camelot White'
Most foxgloves have violet flowers, but this hybrid has beautiful white blooms. This hybrid is shorter than its parent plant, growing to a maximum height of 1.2 m rather than 2 m. This striking plant received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society and is a popular bedding and border plant.
Common foxglove 'Candy Mountain'
Common foxglove 'Candy Mountain'
Common foxglove 'Candy Mountain' is a striking perennial with tall spikes of tubular, rosy-purple flowers that face upward, a unique trait among its genus. The blossoms, which attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, bloom in early to mid-summer. Its foliage is a soft green, with large, lance-shaped leaves that form a basal rosette, providing a lush underpinning to the dramatic floral display. Thriving in cool, moist soil and partial shade, common foxglove 'Candy Mountain' brings vertical interest and vibrant color to woodland garden settings.
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Purple'
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Purple'
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Purple' is a cultivar of foxglove, also known as lady’s glove, named for its purple flowers which are spotted like a dalmatian dog. It has compact foliage and flowers early in the summer. Gardeners will note that it is attractive to hummingbirds and fairly resistant to deer and rabbits.
Common foxglove 'Camelot Rose'
Common foxglove 'Camelot Rose'
Common foxglove 'Camelot Rose' is a stunning Common foxglove cultivar that produces tall spikes of tubular, outward-facing pink flowers with white speckled throats and maroon markings. The cultivar is renowned among gardeners as a reliable selection that's able to produce masses of blooms during the first year.
Common foxglove 'Excelsior Group'
Common foxglove 'Excelsior Group'
Common foxglove 'Excelsior Group' (Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Group') is derived from the common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and is a very popular background cultivar in gardens due to its height. It is relatively difficult to tell apart from the ordinary foxglove. Common foxglove 'Excelsior Group' produces white, pink, purple, and yellow flowers that align horizontally around the spike.
Common foxglove 'Pam's Choice'
Common foxglove 'Pam's Choice'
One of the best cultivars of the foxglove plant, the common foxglove 'Pam's Choice' is similar to the original foxglove in that it does very well as a border plant in the shade. It differs in appearance, however, offering thick spires of creamy white blooms that reveal throats speckled with purple.
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian White'
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian White'
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian White' is a cultivar of foxglove, also known as lady’s glove, named for its white flowers which are spotted like a dalmatian dog. It has compact foliage and flowers early in the summer. Gardeners will note that it is attractive to hummingbirds and fairly resistant to deer and rabbits.
Grecian foxglove 'Spice Island'
Grecian foxglove 'Spice Island'
Grecian foxglove 'Spice Island' is an upright Grecian foxglove cultivar known for its spice-colored (hence the name) bell-shaped flowers with slightly darker veins. The parent plant typically has white or yellow flowers with veins that are either brown or violet. This cultivar is slightly taller than its parent, reaching up to 1 m as opposed to 60 cm.
Digitalis 'Pink Panther'
Digitalis 'Pink Panther'
Digitalis 'Pink Panther' is a foxglove with a name that highlights its bright pink bell-shaped flowers of a similar color to the cartoon character - much brighter than the parent Digitalis' violet blooms. Digitalis 'Pink Panther' produces sterile flowers meaning that they don't help it reproduce but they do bloom for a long period through most of the summer. This popular garden plant brightens up herbaceous borders and attracts bees.
Grecian foxglove
Grecian foxglove
Digitalis laevigata grows to about 70 to 90 cm in height. This perennial herbaceous plant has erect stems with lance-shaped leaves while basal leaves are oblong to ovate. It produces spires of orange or yellow-brown bell-shaped flowers with a large whitish lower lip and purple veined speckled interiors. It blooms from spring to summer.
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Creme'
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Creme'
As you would imagine from the name, the common foxglove 'Dalmatian Creme' is a foxglove cultivar with white flowers patterned with black dots like a Dalmatian dog. It produces a large number of flowers throughout the summer months, making it a popular decorative choice in gardens.
Common foxglove 'Camelot Lavender'
Common foxglove 'Camelot Lavender'
Winner of the Award of Garden Merit, common foxglove 'Camelot Lavender' is prestigious among foxgloves for its violet-speckled tubular flowers and reliable growth habit. A member of the Camelot Series, this variant was cultivated to easily grow and was named after its lavender-tinged blooms. Common foxglove 'Camelot Lavender' won its award due to its year-after-year value, vigorous growth, and lovely ornamental value.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Foxgloves
Digitalis
Also known as: fairy finger, fairy thimbles, ladies thimble, rabbits flower, flapdock, scotch mercury
Foxgloves (Digitalis) get their name from the shape of their flowers - they resemble the paws of foxes and other small animals and were first named way back in 1542. In folklore, picking the flower is seen as offensive to nymphs and fairies of the forest, though this was mainly just a way to keep children from plucking the toxic plants.
Lifespan
Biennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Foxgloves
Feedback
Attributes of Foxgloves
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
40 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Foxgloves
Distribution of Foxgloves
Feedback
Distribution Map of Foxgloves
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Foxgloves
Feedback
Foxgloves is a distinctive genus known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers. It thrives in partial shade to full sun, with well-draining, moist soil, and moderate water needs. Temperature preferences vary, but most species are cool-weather tolerant. Pests such as aphids and diseases like powdery mildew can challenge gardeners. Seasonally, foxgloves requires protection from extreme cold in winter and may need support as it grows taller in the growing season. Consistent moisture and avoiding waterlogged conditions are crucial, especially during hot summers and dry spells.
How to Water Foxgloves?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Foxgloves?
How to Propagate Foxgloves?
How to Plant Foxgloves?
Exploring the Foxgloves Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Common foxglove
Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a herbaceous flowering plant naturally found in forests, heaths, and mountain grasslands. Common foxglove produces clusters of purple to white tubular flowers, with numerous dark spots on the inner surface. They are very attractive and commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes.
Yellow foxglove
Yellow foxglove (Digitalis grandiflora) is a popular, award-winning ornamental plant that is tall enough to make a great addition to the middle and back areas of borders. Like most foxgloves, all parts of this plant are toxic, containing digitoxin-type glycosides. The flowers are great attractors of bees and butterflies.
Straw foxglove
Straw foxglove sports intricate ivory, bell-shaped blooms on tall spikes. This delicate coloring makes it a popular choice for garden displays. However, it can self-sow and tends to become weedy. Straw foxglove is a toxic plant that causes harm when consumed.
Grecian foxglove
Grecian foxglove (Digitalis lanata) is a common species of foxglove plant. It is most prevalent in Eastern Europe, but can be found on every continent except Antarctica. All portions of the grecian foxglove are toxic and can cause nausea, eyesight problems, and sometimes convulsions.
Show More Species
All Species of Foxgloves
Common foxglove
Yellow foxglove
Straw foxglove
Grecian foxglove
Hairy foxglove
Rusty foxglove
Small yellow foxglove
Spanish peaks foxglove
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Peach'
Common foxglove 'Sutton's Apricot'
Common foxglove 'Polkadot Princess'
Digitalis × valinii 'Firebird'
Common foxglove 'Camelot White'
Common foxglove 'Candy Mountain'
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Purple'
Common foxglove 'Camelot Rose'
Common foxglove 'Excelsior Group'
Common foxglove 'Pam's Choice'
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian White'
Grecian foxglove 'Spice Island'
Digitalis 'Pink Panther'
Grecian foxglove
Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Creme'
Common foxglove 'Camelot Lavender'
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
