How Tall Does Foxglove Grow

If you’re planning to add foxgloves to your garden, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is how tall does foxglove grow. These classic cottage garden plants are famous for reaching impressive heights, often towering over other perennials and biennials. Their majestic spires of bell-shaped flowers can create a stunning vertical accent, but their size can be a surprise if you’re not prepared.

In this guide, we’ll look at the typical height ranges for different foxglove varieties. You’ll learn what factors influence their growth and how to place them perfectly in your garden design. Let’s get started.

The simple answer is that most common foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) grow between 4 to 6 feet tall. However, this is just the average. With ideal conditions, some varieties can soar even higher, while dwarf types stay much more compact.

Their growth follows a biennial or short-lived perennial pattern. In the first year, the plant establishes a low rosette of leaves. Then, in the second year, it sends up that iconic flowering spike, which is when you’ll see it reach its full, dramatic height.

Typical Height Ranges by Variety

Not all foxgloves are created equal. Choosing the right variety is key to getting the height you want for your border.

Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): The classic. Typically reaches 5 to 6 feet, sometimes hitting 7 feet in rich, moist soil.
‘Dalmatian’ Series: A popular hybrid group. They tend to be a bit shorter, usually in the 3 to 4 foot range, and flower in their first year.
‘Camelot’ Series: Another first-year flowering type. Expect heights of about 4 feet.
Strawberry Foxglove (Digitalis x mertonensis): A perennial hybrid. It’s stockier, with blooms often around 3 feet tall.
Dwarf Varieties (e.g., ‘Foxy’): Perfect for containers or the front of a border. These usually stay between 2 to 3 feet tall.
Giant Yellow Foxglove (Digitalis grandiflora): A true perennial with pale yellow flowers. It’s more modest, typically growing 2 to 3 feet tall.

What Factors Affect Foxglove Height?

Why does one gardener’s foxglove hit 6 feet while another’s barely makes 4? Several key factors are at play.

1. Sunlight and Location

Foxgloves perform best in partial shade to full sun. In deep shade, they will stretch and become leggy as they reach for light, but the stalks may be weaker. In full sun with ample moisture, they often achieve their maximum, sturdy height.

2. Soil Quality and Nutrition

Rich, well-draining soil is the secret to giant foxgloves. They thrive in soil amended with plenty of organic matter like compost. Poor, sandy, or heavy clay soil will stunt their growth. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring can give them a good boost.

3. Watering Practices

Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during dry spells in spring and early summer when the flower spike is developing. Inconsistent watering can stress the plant, limiting its ultimate height. A good layer of mulch helps retain that soil moisture.

4. Climate and Weather

Foxgloves prefer cooler summers. In very hot climates, they may struggle and not reach their full potential without extra care. A mild, moist spring often leads to the most impressive growth spurts.

How to Support Your Tall Foxgloves

When your foxgloves start reaching those impressive heights, they can become top-heavy, especially after rain or in windy spots. Staking them early is a smart move.

Stake Early: Insert a sturdy stake (like a bamboo cane) into the ground near the plant when the flower spike is about 12-18 inches tall. Be careful not to damage the roots.
Tie Loosely: Use soft garden twine or plant ties. Make a figure-eight loop, with the stake in one loop and the stem in the other. This provides support without chafing.
Add More Ties: As the spike grows taller, add another tie or two further up the stem. Check the ties periodically to ensure they aren’t becoming too tight.

For a natural look, you can use a group of branched twigs pushed into the ground around the plant. The growing spike will grow up through them and be subtly supported.

Designing With Foxglove Height in Mind

Their vertical form is a gift to garden design. Here’s how to use it effectively.

The Back of the Border: Place taller varieties at the back of flower beds to create a stunning backdrop for mid-height plants like lupines, phlox, or hardy geraniums.
Mid-Border Accents: Use medium-height varieties in the middle of island beds to add vertical interest among mounds and clumps.
Woodland Gardens: They look fantastic planted in dappled shade under trees, where their spikes light up the darker areas.
Cottage Garden Chaos: Let them self-seed among other plants for a informal, romantic look. The varying heights will add to the charm.
Container Gardening: Dwarf varieties are excellent for large pots. Ensure the container is deep enough to accommodate their taproot.

Remember to plant them in groups of odd numbers (3, 5, 7) for the most natural visual impact. A single spike can look a bit lonely.

Common Problems That Limit Growth

If your foxgloves are consistently shorter than expected, check for these issues.

Poor Soil: This is the number one culprit. Amend your soil with compost before planting.
Overcrowding: Seedlings that are too close together will compete for resources. Thin them to about 18 inches apart to give each plant room to grow.
Pests and Diseases: Aphids can weaken young plants. Crown rot or leaf spot diseases, often caused by poor air circulation or wet foliage, can also stunt growth.
Wrong Variety: Double-check the seed packet or plant tag! You might have simply chosen a naturally shorter type.

FAQs About Foxglove Growth

Q: Do foxgloves come back every year?
A: Most common foxgloves are biennials, meaning they flower and set seed in their second year, then die. However, they often self-seed generously, creating a lasting colony. Some types, like Digitalis grandiflora, are true perennials.

Q: How fast do foxgloves grow?
A: The first-year rosette grows steadily but low to the ground. The dramatic height gain happens in the second spring, when the flower spike can shoot up several feet over just a few weeks.

Q: Can I control how tall my foxglove gets?
A> You can influence it somewhat. Less water and leaner soil will generally produce a shorter plant. For a guaranteed height, choose a dwarf or giant variety suited to your needs from the start.

Q: Are there any extra-tall foxglove varieties?
A: Yes! Look for heritage strains of Digitalis purpurea or selections like ‘Excelsior Hybrids’, which are known for regularly reaching 5-6 feet. Good old-fashioned common foxglove, given perfect conditions, is often the tallest of all.

Q: Is foxglove height affected by pinching?
A: Pinching (removing the tip) is not recommended for foxgloves. Unlike some plants, it won’t make them bushier; it will likely just prevent the main flower spike from forming or significantly shorten it.

Understanding how tall does foxglove grow helps you plan a more beautiful and successful garden. By selecting the right variety and providing good care, you can enjoy those magnificent spires that make foxgloves such a standout feature. Just remember to wear gloves when handling them, as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. With a little planning, you can safely enjoy their spectacular show.