Foxgloves: A Guide to Growing and Winterizing
Introduction
Foxgloves are beautiful, eye-catching plants that add a touch of elegance to any garden. They are relatively easy to grow, but they do have specific care requirements, especially during the winter months. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to grow and winterize foxgloves successfully.
Types of Foxgloves
There are two main types of foxgloves: biennial and perennial. Biennial foxgloves complete their life cycle in two years, while perennial foxgloves can live for several years. Both types of foxgloves produce tall, showy spikes of flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, white, and yellow.
Growing Foxgloves
Foxgloves prefer to grow in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They can be planted in full sun or partial shade, but they will bloom best in full sun. Foxgloves are relatively drought-tolerant, but they will need to be watered regularly during hot, dry weather.
To plant foxgloves, simply sow the seeds directly in the garden in the fall or early spring. The seeds should be planted about 1/4 inch deep and spaced about 12 inches apart. Foxgloves will typically germinate within 10-14 days.
Winterizing Foxgloves
Foxgloves are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. In colder climates, foxgloves will need to be protected from the cold winter weather. The best way to winterize foxgloves is to mulch around the plants with a 3-5 inch layer of organic matter, such as straw, hay, or compost. The mulch will help to insulate the plants and protect them from the cold.
Bloom Cycle
Biennial foxgloves will typically bloom in their second year, after they have gone through a period of cold weather. Perennial foxgloves may bloom in their first year, but they will typically bloom more profusely in subsequent years. Foxgloves will bloom for several weeks, and they will often produce multiple spikes of flowers.
Self-Sowing
Foxgloves are self-sowers, which means that they will drop their seeds in the garden and new plants will grow the following year. This is a great way to propagate foxgloves and ensure that you have a continuous supply of these beautiful plants.
Deadheading
Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from plants. Deadheading foxgloves will help to encourage the plants to produce more flowers. It is important to deadhead foxgloves before the seeds mature, as this will prevent the plants from self-sowing.
Companion Planting
Foxgloves are a great companion plant for other plants that prefer moist, well-drained soil. Good companion plants for foxgloves include delphiniums, lupines, and poppies.
Pests and Diseases
Foxgloves are relatively pest-free and disease-resistant. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while powdery mildew can be controlled with a fungicide.
Toxicity
It is important to note that foxgloves are poisonous to humans and animals. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the leaves and seeds are the most toxic. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems. If you suspect that someone has ingested foxglove, call 911 immediately.
