As the seasons change and our gardens evolve, there’s always one plant that steals the spotlight, effortlessly capturing attention with its beauty and grace. In May, amidst the awakening of flora and the anticipation of vibrant blooms, one plant stands out above the rest: Digitalis purpurea, more affectionately known as foxglove.
In May, when most plants are just gearing up for their flowering season, foxglove is already in full bloom, adding striking vertical accents and vibrant colors to the garden. Whether gracing sunny rose gardens or shady flower beds under tall trees, foxglove adapts seamlessly to various conditions.
Companion Planting with Foxglove
One of the joys of gardening is discovering which plants complement each other best. Foxglove, with its tall, graceful spikes, pairs beautifully with a variety of plants. Here are some of my favorite combinations:
Digitalis and Roses Foxglove is a classic companion for roses. Many rose enthusiasts know that perennials with spike-like inflorescences—such as Delphinium, Veronica, Veronicastrum, and Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife)—complement roses beautifully, but these plants tend to bloom later in the season. Foxglove, however, is the first to bloom, making it an ideal early companion for your roses.
With numerous interesting varieties available, varying in height and color, foxglove allows for stunning combinations. For instance, the compact variety ‘Dalmatian Cream’ looks particularly striking next to yellow-golden-hued roses. To enhance the deep purple spots of Digitalis, consider adding Aquilegia ‘Black Barlow’ or Cirsium rivulare ‘Atropurpureum’, along with the deep blues of Salvia ‘Caradonna’.
Even if a species of foxglove has naturally found its way into your garden, it can still be a charming addition to a cottage-style rose garden, where bright, eclectic combinations are embraced.
Digitalis and Grasses I really enjoy the look of bright digitalis near Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Silberspinne’ or other varieties. While grasses are just on their way to full beauty, digitalis will take the spotlight in May and June.
Digitalis with Shade-Tolerant Plants Under a Big Tree In shaded areas beneath large trees where other plants struggle, foxglove emerges as a resilient solution. It adeptly finds its place among the tree roots, often forming thriving colonies in these seemingly inhospitable spots. What I particularly appreciate is how foxglove pairs with shade-tolerant plants like Carex albicans and Onoclea sensibilis fern. Adding a hybrid anemone, which blooms at the end of summer, completes the ensemble, creating a sustainable forest composition for areas under large trees. With this combination, you’ll enjoy a vibrant and enduring display of natural beauty in even the most challenging of shaded spaces.
Digitalis and Shrubs Foxglove is a wonderful addition to any shrub that blooms from the second half of May. Think rhododendrons, kolkwitzia, and many others. The vertical accents of foxglove flowers provide a beautiful contrast to the rounded forms of these shrubs, enhancing the overall composition of the garden.
Digitalis in a Meadow
If you want to create a flowering meadow, foxglove would be a wonderful addition to the mix. In May and June, the best companion plants for foxglove in a meadow include:
- Matricaria chamomilla (Wild Chamomile)
- Knautia arvensis (Field Scabious)
- Leucanthemum vulgare (Ox-eye Daisy)
- Silene dioica (Red Campion)
- Centranthus ruber var. coccineus (Red False Valerian)
- Bronze Fennel
Few Things to Know Before Buying Digitalis Plants or Seeds
Before adding Digitalis to your garden, here are a few important points to consider:
- Biennial Nature: Most foxgloves are biennial, meaning they grow roots and foliage in the first year and then flower and set seed in the second year before dying. However, some non-native varieties and modern hybrids are perennial and can even flower in their first year. When buying seeds, check if the variety will bloom in the first or second year.
- Self-Seeding: Foxgloves readily self-seed around the garden, with seedlings often appearing near the parent plant. These can be transplanted to other areas where they have more space to develop. If you prefer to keep only a few plants in your flower bed, deadhead foxgloves when the flowers start to droop and fade to prevent self-seeding.
- Toxicity: Be aware that foxgloves contain the chemical digitalin, used in medicine to treat heart conditions, and all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested. Contact with the foliage may irritate the skin and eyes, so wear gloves, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Conclusion
Foxglove’s ability to adapt to different conditions and its striking appearance make it a standout plant in any garden. Its versatility in companion planting offers endless possibilities for creating beautiful and dynamic garden displays. Whether you have sunny borders or shaded nooks, foxglove can bring color and life to your garden in May.
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