Foxgloves are popular garden plants known for their striking, tall spikes and bell-shaped flowers, adding vertical interest and classic charm. Companion planting involves growing different plant species together for mutual benefits, creating a more resilient garden ecosystem.
Understanding Foxglove Growing Needs
Foxgloves thrive in full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade beneficial in warmer climates. They favor rich, well-draining soil with ample organic matter, ideally with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
Consistent moisture is crucial; foxgloves do not tolerate prolonged dry periods, but proper drainage is equally important to prevent crown rot. Watering about twice a week, or providing one inch of water per week, helps maintain soil moisture. Mulching also helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Benefits of Foxglove Companion Planting
Companion planting with foxgloves offers many advantages. It enhances visual appeal through harmonious combinations of plant forms, textures, and colors. Certain companion plants deter pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions, and attract beneficial insects like pollinators and predators. The right companions also improve soil health; some enrich the soil with nutrients, while others act as living mulches, suppressing weeds and conserving moisture.
Recommended Foxglove Companion Plants
For Visual Harmony
When aiming for aesthetic appeal, select plants that complement foxgloves’ tall, vertical form. Hostas, with their broad and textured leaves, provide an effective contrast to the slender foxglove spikes, especially in shaded areas. Ferns offer delicate, feathery fronds that beautifully highlight the bold structure of foxglove flowers, making them suitable for woodland settings. Astilbe, known for its feathery plumes, also pairs well, sharing a preference for moist, well-draining soil.
Delphiniums, lupines, and hollyhocks can be combined with foxgloves to create a layered vertical display, offering a variety of flower shapes and colors. Roses and peonies add classic charm, with their lush, mounded forms contrasting with the upright foxglove spires. Columbine, with its unique flowers, adds height and interest, blooming as foxgloves develop. Salvia, with its spiky blooms, introduces another layer of vertical interest that complements foxglove’s flower spikes.
For Pest Deterrence
While foxgloves are generally resistant to many pests, certain companion plants can provide additional protection. Garlic and chives deter various garden pests, including aphids and Japanese beetles. Marigolds can help confuse pests, making it harder for them to locate target plants. Lavender, with its fragrant foliage, helps deter deer, which avoid foxgloves due to their toxicity.
For Attracting Pollinators
Foxgloves attract pollinators, particularly long-tongued bees like bumblebees, which access nectar deep within their tubular flowers. To enhance pollinator activity, consider planting coneflowers (Echinacea) and salvias. These plants provide additional nectar sources and attract a wider range of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Asters also attract pollinators, especially in late summer and autumn when many other plants have finished blooming.
For Soil Health and Groundcover
Plants that improve soil health or serve as groundcover benefit foxgloves by suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture. Low-growing clovers fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for neighboring plants. Creeping thyme provides a dense, low-growing mat that helps conserve moisture and prevent weed growth.
Plants to Avoid Near Foxgloves
Certain plants should not be placed near foxgloves due to conflicting needs or potential negative interactions. Plants preferring significantly drier conditions, such as some sedum varieties or rosemary, are not good companions because foxgloves require consistently moist soil. Similarly, shade-loving plants like impatiens or coral bells may not thrive alongside foxgloves if light requirements are not perfectly matched.
Sunflowers can inhibit the growth of nearby plants due to allelopathic effects, releasing compounds that suppress other vegetation. They are also heavy feeders, potentially depriving foxgloves of essential nutrients. New England asters can attract specific pests, like the aster leafhopper, which transmits pathogens to other plants. Additionally, due to foxgloves being toxic, avoid planting them directly next to edible vegetables to prevent accidental contact during harvest.
Designing Your Foxglove Garden
When planning your foxglove garden, consider the mature size and spread of both foxgloves and their companions. Foxgloves can grow quite tall, reaching heights of three to five feet, so they are often placed at the back of borders or as central features. Spacing foxglove plants about two feet apart allows for adequate air circulation and growth.
Grouping plants with similar light and water requirements is important for overall garden health. Consider bloom times to ensure continuous visual interest throughout the growing season, pairing early bloomers with foxgloves that flower in late spring to mid-summer. Foxgloves can also be effectively used in containers, adding vertical drama to patios and balconies.