A Comprehensive Guide to 11 Exceptional Foxglove Varieties for Your Garden

If you are a fan of vibrant and striking flowers, then foxgloves should undoubtedly be on your list of must-have blooms. Their tall spikes adorned with tubular, brightly colored blossoms with speckled throats are a sight to behold in any garden.

The most iconic species of foxglove is the Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as the “lady’s glove.” This species has been extensively hybridized to create a diverse range of varieties that are a perfect addition to any garden.

However, before diving into the world of foxgloves, it’s crucial to note that these plants are highly toxic to both humans and animals. If you have young children or pets, take precautions when choosing where to plant them. An enclosed area might be a safe choice, or you can wait until your kids are older to introduce these stunning flowers to your garden.

Once you’ve ensured the safety of your growing environment, you can enjoy the benefits of these magnificent plants. From attracting pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to deterring deer and rabbits, foxgloves offer a myriad of advantages to your outdoor space.

To help you kickstart your foxglove gardening journey, we have curated a list of 11 exceptional varieties that are sure to elevate your garden. Let’s delve into the world of foxgloves and explore our top recommendations.

Top 11 Foxglove Varieties

Additional Species Introduction

While Digitalis purpurea is the star of the show, several other foxglove species are worth mentioning as they have contributed to the creation of some of our favorite cultivars. Let’s take a quick look at these species:

• D. ferruginea: Cream-colored flowers with rust-colored splotches in the throats, hardy in Zones 4 to 8.
• D. grandiflora: Elongated yellow flowers with star-shaped openings, hardy in Zones 3 to 8.
• D. lutea: Light yellow flowers, hardy in Zones 3 to 9.
• D. parviflora: Orange-brown flowers with narrow openings, hardy in Zones 4 to 8.

Now, let’s move on to the main event and explore the captivating foxglove varieties for your garden.

1. Alba

For those who appreciate the elegance of white flowers standing out against a vibrant backdrop, ‘Alba’ is a perfect choice. With cream-white blooms accented by purple-speckled throats, this variety has been gracing gardens since at least 1737. Blooming from May to June, ‘Alba’ reaches heights of three to five feet and is hardy in Zones 4 to 8.

2. Arctic Fox Rose

‘Arctic Fox Rose’ is a delightful hybrid featuring soft pink flowers with peach-colored throats. Standing at 18 to 24 inches tall, this perennial beauty blooms from April to September in Zones 5 to 9. Its compact size makes it an ideal addition to any garden.

3. Apricot Beauty

With its vivid apricot blooms fading to a lighter hue as they age, ‘Apricot Beauty’ offers a stunning visual display in your garden. This semi-evergreen biennial flowers from May to June or early July, growing three to five feet tall and spreading one and a half to two feet wide. Hardy in Zones 4 to 8, this variety is sure to captivate onlookers.

4. Candy Mountain

If you prefer flowers that face upward, consider ‘Candy Mountain.’ Its soft pink blooms with maroon-speckled throats are a beautiful sight in any garden. Growing up to four feet tall and spreading one to two feet wide, this variety blooms in midsummer and is hardy in Zones 4 to 9.

5. Camelot Lavender

The ‘Camelot Lavender’ variety from the popular Camelot series boasts dreamy light purple flowers with maroon-speckled throats. Blooming in early to midsummer, this cultivar thrives in Zones 4 to 9, reaching heights of up to four feet. A true standout for purple enthusiasts.

6. Dalmatian Purple

Featuring delicate rose-colored, purple-tinted flowers with light speckles, ‘Dalmatian Purple’ is a charming addition to any garden. This semi-compact variety blooms in early summer, growing one and a half to two feet tall and spreading eight to 12 inches wide. Ideal for large containers.

7. Excelsior

‘Excelsior’ is a captivating hybrid known for its mix of colors, ranging from light pink to purple-pink to peach. This striking variety blooms densely from June to July, standing up to 60 inches tall with a spread of 18 to 24 inches. A breathtaking addition to any garden.

8. Foxy

For those with limited space, ‘Foxy’ is a clever choice. This semi-dwarf mix features an array of colors, including cream, lavender, rose, yellow, and white. With a height of two to three feet and three-inch-long flowers, ‘Foxy’ adds a vibrant pop to any garden. Hardy in Zones 5 to 9, this variety offers a compact yet colorful solution.

9. Illumination Flame

A cross between D. purpurea and D. canariensis, ‘Illumination Flame’ is a fascinating cultivar with pink and orange hues that light up your garden. These sterile plants feature unique tubular flowers that stick straight out off the spikes, creating a futuristic effect. Reaching three feet in height and spreading one to two feet, this evergreen variety blooms all summer long in Zones 8 to 10.

10. Polkadot Princess

‘Polkadot Princess’ is a part of the Polkadot series, known for its densely packed pink blooms. This semi-evergreen biennial grows up to two and a half feet tall and spreads two feet wide, offering a delightful display from early spring to early summer. A must-have for pink flower enthusiasts.

11. Strawberry

For a mouth-watering berry-pink floral display, ‘Strawberry’ is an excellent choice. A cross between D. grandiflora and D. purpurea, this semi-evergreen perennial blooms bell-shaped flowers from late spring to early summer. Hardy in Zones 4 to 8, ‘Strawberry’ grows two to three feet tall and spreads one to two feet wide. Also known as ‘Summer King’ in some nurseries.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating foxgloves into your garden promises a burst of joy and color every spring. While many varieties are biennial, they generously reseed to provide ongoing beauty. Whether you choose compact hybrids, elegant white blooms, or vibrant color mixes, foxgloves are a versatile addition to any garden.

Let us know your favorite foxglove variety in the comments below and share your experiences and questions with us. For more insights on growing flowers in your garden, be sure to explore our guides on overwintering foxgloves, caring for larkspur, and selecting dazzling delphiniums.

With a diverse array of foxglove varieties to choose from, your garden is bound to flourish with beauty and charm. Happy gardening!