Ruqayyah Snyder
Foxgloves, or Digitalis, are a visually diverse flower with both biennial and perennial species. They can add a touch of colour and class to any garden and are available in a wide range of colours, from cream and purple to pink and orange. Foxgloves are poisonous to humans and pets if ingested, so it is not recommended to plant them in gardens frequented by young children. In this article, we will explore how to grow foxgloves in Australia, covering topics such as soil preparation, planting, and common pests and diseases.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Biennial or true perennial |
| Height | 0.5–2m tall; some may require stakes |
| Foliage | Oval, oblong or lance-shaped leaves |
| Climate | Cool, or warm temperate climate |
| Soil | Well-drained, humus-rich soil with a pH of around 6.5–7 |
| Position | Full sun or partial shade with protection from hot drying winds |
| Watering | Keep well-watered in spring and summer |
| Fertiliser | Feed every 1 to 2 weeks with liquid plant food |
| Pot size | Minimum 200mm wide and deep or 20 litres |
| Self-seeding | Yes |
| Poisonous | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- Foxgloves are poisonous, so be careful with children and pets
- Choose a spot with partial shade and protection from hot, drying winds
- Prepare the soil with fertiliser, keeping it moist during germination
- Foxgloves can be grown in containers, but they need to be large enough
- Deadhead the main flowering spike to encourage new growth
Foxgloves are poisonous, so be careful with children and pets
Foxgloves are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they are toxic to both humans and animals. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which affect the heart. Even inhaling the pollen can cause an adverse reaction in some people. The leaves have fine hairs that can cause a rash. If you have children or pets, it is important to take precautions when planting foxgloves.
Foxglove poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, headaches, skin irritation, diarrhoea, hallucinations, and in severe cases, heart and kidney problems. It is important to seek immediate medical help if you or your pet ingest any part of the foxglove plant. The faster you get medical help, the better the chances of recovery. While death is unlikely, foxglove poisoning can be serious and may require a hospital stay.
To prevent accidental ingestion, choose a spot in the garden that is not easily accessible to children or pets. You may also want to consider planting foxgloves in pots or containers rather than directly in the ground. This way, you can place them in a location that is out of reach. Make sure to use a premium potting mix and keep the plants well-watered during the summer.
It is also important to educate your children about the dangers of foxgloves and other poisonous plants. Teach them not to touch or eat any plants they are not familiar with and to wash their hands after playing in the garden. Similarly, keep pets away from the plants and ensure they are supervised when spending time outdoors.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the beauty of foxgloves while keeping your family and pets safe.
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Choose a spot with partial shade and protection from hot, drying winds
Foxgloves are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they require the right conditions to flourish. In Australia's warm temperate climate, foxgloves thrive in partial shade, so choose a spot in your garden that receives morning or afternoon sun, but is shaded during the hottest part of the day. This could be under a tree or near a wall that provides shade. Avoid full sun exposure, especially during the hottest months, as this can cause the soil to dry out and increase the risk of soil rot and mildew, which can be detrimental to your foxgloves.
Protecting your foxgloves from hot, drying winds is crucial to ensuring the soil doesn't become too dry. Consider planting your foxgloves near a windbreak, such as a fence, hedge, or wall, to shield them from strong winds. If natural windbreaks are not available, you could also use a garden screen or trellis to create a barrier. It is important to maintain adequate spacing between plants to allow proper air circulation and prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to fungal diseases.
When choosing a spot for your foxgloves, keep in mind that they prefer a slightly acidic environment with a pH of around 6.5–7. Well-drained, humus-rich soil is ideal, as it provides a balance between drainage and water retention. Ensure the soil is kept moist during the germination period and throughout the summer months. Apply compost around the plant in spring to enhance soil quality and promote healthy growth.
By providing partial shade and protection from hot, drying winds, you can create an ideal environment for your foxgloves to thrive. Remember to regularly water your plants and consider using organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. With the right care, your foxgloves will add a touch of colour and elegance to your garden.
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Prepare the soil with fertiliser, keeping it moist during germination
Foxgloves require a slightly acidic environment with humus-rich, well-drained soil that is not overly wet. The soil's pH should be around 6.5–7, which can be monitored with a soil pH kit. Before planting, prepare the soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it, and adding aged animal manure or compost.
To prepare the soil with fertiliser, start by choosing a fertiliser that is suitable for foxgloves. You can use a general-purpose fertiliser or one specifically formulated for flowering plants. Follow the instructions on the fertiliser package for proper application rates and methods. Generally, you will want to mix the fertiliser into the soil before planting your foxglove seeds or seedlings. Ensure the fertiliser is well-incorporated into the soil by digging or tilling the area after application. Water the area gently but thoroughly after applying fertiliser to activate it and provide moisture for your soon-to-be-planted foxgloves.
Keep the soil moist during the germination period. Water your foxgloves regularly, aiming for moist but not soggy soil. The amount of water needed will vary depending on your local climate, the type of soil you have, and the size of your plants. Check the soil moisture regularly by sticking your finger into the soil—it should feel damp but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid over-watering as it can cause crown rot and mildew, which can kill your foxgloves. Ensure adequate spacing between plants to allow proper air circulation and prevent fungal diseases.
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Foxgloves can be grown in containers, but they need to be large enough
Foxgloves are a beautiful addition to any garden, but they do require some care and attention to ensure healthy growth. Foxglove plants can be grown in containers, but they need to be large enough to accommodate the plant's height and need for spacing.
When choosing a container, opt for one that is at least 200mm wide and deep, or a minimum of 20 litres in volume. This will provide sufficient space for the foxglove to grow and thrive. It is also important to use a premium potting mix and keep the plant well-watered, especially during the summer months.
To plant foxglove seeds in a container, start by pressing the seeds lightly into the surface of the damp potting mix. Then, lightly cover them with a fine layer of the mix. Keep the potting mix moist during the germination period. Once the seedlings reach a height of about 5 cm, add a light layer of organic mulch, such as sugar cane or pea straw, around the base of the plant.
It is important to note that foxgloves require a slightly acidic environment with a pH of around 6.5–7. They prefer deep, moist, humus-rich, and well-drained soil. Ensure that the container has good drainage to prevent over-watering and the build-up of moisture, which can lead to crown rot and mildew.
By following these steps and providing a large enough container, you can successfully grow foxgloves and enjoy their colourful, bell-shaped flowers.
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Deadhead the main flowering spike to encourage new growth
Deadheading is the removal of spent blooms from a plant to encourage new growth. Foxgloves are biennial plants, meaning they flower in their second year, and some varieties may flower in their third year. Deadheading foxgloves can encourage reblooming and prolong the enjoyment of the plant later in the season.
To deadhead foxgloves, use clean, sterilised pruning shears to prevent transmitting plant diseases. Grasp the flower stem and cut it off at a 45-degree angle, about 0.5 cm above the next set of leaves below the flowering stem. This encourages the plant to send up smaller side flower spikes and promotes new growth.
It is important to note that foxgloves are toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Always wear gloves when handling the plant, and be cautious of tossing the spikes into your compost heap as they may sprout and regrow.
Additionally, foxgloves benefit from being cut back to the basal rosette after flowering. This promotes the growth of new rosettes, which will be the bloomers for the following year.
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Frequently asked questions
The best time to plant foxglove in Australia is from spring to early summer.
Foxgloves require a slightly acidic environment with a pH of around 6.5-7. The soil should be humus-rich, well-drained, and moist.
Over-watering and a lack of proper air circulation can cause crown rot and mildew, killing the plant. To avoid this, ensure adequate spacing between plants. Foxgloves are also susceptible to Anthracnose, a fungal disease causing brown spots on the leaves. Sufficient fertilisation can help prevent this.
All parts of the foxglove plant are poisonous if ingested, so they are not recommended for gardens frequented by young children. Foxgloves can also cause skin irritation if touched.
