Foxgloves, with their distinctive bell-shaped blooms, are a beloved addition to many gardens, often associated with cottage aesthetics. While traditionally grown in garden beds, these striking plants can thrive equally well in containers, bringing their vertical charm to smaller spaces or patios. This method offers gardeners increased control over their growing environment and the flexibility to reposition them as needed, allowing for successful growth and abundant flowering even with limited ground space.
Selecting Foxgloves and Containers
Growing foxgloves in containers offers several advantages, including portability for optimal light placement and protection from harsh weather. This method also provides precise control over soil conditions, which can be difficult to achieve in an open garden.
Certain foxglove varieties are particularly well-suited for container life due to their more compact growth habits. Options like the ‘Dwarf Dalmatian’ series, ‘Camelot’ series, ‘Foxy’, and ‘Candy Mountain’ series are good choices. Some of these compact types can bloom in their first year, unlike many traditional biennial foxgloves that flower in their second. Digitalis lutea, known as the yellow foxglove, is another perennial option that remains shorter.
Choosing the correct container size is important to support the plant’s growth. A pot should be at least 12 to 18 inches deep and 12 to 16 inches in diameter to accommodate the foxglove’s root system and prevent overcrowding. Larger containers can also support multiple plants, creating a fuller display.
Container material impacts moisture retention; terracotta pots allow for better air circulation but dry out more quickly, while plastic pots retain moisture more effectively. For colder climates, weather-resistant materials such as wood, resin, metal, or fiberglass are preferable, as ceramic, terracotta, and plastic can be susceptible to freezing and cracking. Regardless of material, the container must have adequate drainage holes at the base to prevent waterlogging. A wide and heavy base is also beneficial to prevent taller varieties from tipping over.
Planting and Soil Essentials
The foundation for healthy container-grown foxgloves lies in the potting medium. Unlike garden soil, which can be too heavy and potentially introduce diseases, a high-quality, well-draining potting mix is essential. A loam-based compost enriched with organic matter provides an ideal environment, mimicking the humus-rich soils found in their natural woodland habitats.
While foxgloves are adaptable, a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0, is generally preferred. Peat-free potting mixes are also suitable for these plants.
Proper drainage is important to prevent root rot, a common issue in container gardening. Ensure that the chosen pot has ample drainage holes at the bottom. Adding a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot is not recommended, as it can actually impede drainage rather than improve it.
When planting foxglove seeds, sprinkle them lightly on the soil surface without covering them, as they require light for germination. For seedlings or young plants, carefully remove them from their nursery pots and place them in the prepared container so that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. If planting multiple foxgloves in a single large container, allow approximately 6 to 8 inches of space between each plant. After planting, water the container thoroughly, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged until the plants are established.
Ongoing Care for Container Foxgloves
Appropriate light exposure is important for container foxgloves to thrive. Most varieties perform well in partial shade, particularly in regions with hot summers, where protection from intense afternoon heat is beneficial. While some foxgloves can tolerate full sun, and others thrive in full shade, positioning them to receive morning sun with afternoon shade is often ideal. The portability of container growing allows for adjustments to light conditions as seasons change or as the plant matures.
Consistent watering is a key aspect of ongoing care for container-grown foxgloves, as soil in pots dries out more quickly than in garden beds. The soil should remain consistently moist but never waterlogged to avoid root rot. A simple way to check moisture levels is to feel the top inch or two of the potting mix; if it feels dry to the touch, it is time to water deeply until water drains from the bottom of the pot. During hot or dry periods, this might necessitate daily watering, while in cooler or cloudy weather, less frequent watering will be sufficient.
Container foxgloves also benefit from regular fertilization due to the limited nutrient volume in their confined space. Incorporating a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time can provide a steady supply of nutrients. Additionally, supplementing with a liquid feed every four to six weeks during the active growing season encourages robust growth and abundant flowering. Over-fertilization, especially with high-nitrogen formulas, should be avoided as it can promote excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. A fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content can support more prolific flowering.
General maintenance practices contribute to a foxglove’s health and bloom production. Deadheading, which involves removing spent flower spikes, can encourage the plant to produce additional blooms or prevent unwanted self-seeding. For biennial varieties, leaving some flower stems to set seed will ensure a new generation of plants for the following year. For taller foxglove varieties, staking may be necessary to support their vertical flower spikes and prevent them from bending or breaking, particularly in windy conditions. Inserting stakes early in the plant’s growth cycle can help prevent damage to the roots later on. Applying a thin layer of organic mulch to the soil surface helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Overwintering and Troubleshooting
Overwintering container-grown foxgloves, especially perennial varieties, requires specific attention to protect them from cold temperatures. In colder climates, moving the containers to a cool, frost-free location, such as an unheated garage or shed, allows the plants to go dormant safely. During this period, water sparingly, only enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
For hardier types left outdoors, positioning the container against a sheltered wall or insulating the pot with materials like burlap or cardboard can offer additional protection from frost. Ensuring excellent drainage in the container during winter is also important to prevent root damage from standing water. Foxgloves generally require a period of cold exposure to flower well in subsequent years.
Container-grown foxgloves can encounter certain issues. Common pests may include aphids, slugs, mealybugs, and Japanese beetles. Foxglove pug larvae are known to feed on the flowers. While foxgloves are not typically prone to many diseases, powdery mildew can occur; watering plants in the early morning can help reduce the risk of fungal issues by allowing foliage to dry before nightfall.
If leaves begin to yellow, it can signal either over or underwatering, or a nutrient deficiency. Wilting often indicates a lack of water, and immediate, thorough watering is usually the solution. It is important to note that all parts of the foxglove plant are considered highly toxic, so wearing gloves when handling them is advised.