How big does Foxglove grow?

About 1.2 m × 60 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.5 m × 30–75 cm.

What soil does Foxglove grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, acidic.

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Foxglove toxic to dogs?

Yes, it is highly toxic to dogs: even a small amount can be life-threatening.

Is Foxglove toxic to cats?

Yes, it is highly toxic to cats: even a small amount can be life-threatening.

Is Foxglove toxic to children?

Yes, it is highly toxic to children: even a small amount can be life-threatening.

When does Foxglove flower?

Flowering: May–July, purple, pink, white.

How much water does Foxglove need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Foxglove cost?

It sells for roughly PLN 16 to PLN 19 in local shops, depending on size.

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a perennial that reaches 1.2 m × 60 cm after ten years. Light: part shade, full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Highly toxic to dogs, cats and children. Sold in local shops from about PLN 16.

Illustration of Foxglove — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Foxglove is a biennial or short-lived perennial: in its first year it only makes a rosette of downy leaves, and in the second it sends up tall spires of bell-shaped flowers with spotted throats that bumblebees love. It is happiest in part shade and moist, humus-rich soil, and if you leave a few seed stalks it renews itself in the garden. Most importantly, every part is highly poisonous to people and pets, so do not plant it where small children or a chewing dog can reach it.

Watch out for

It is short-lived: the plant usually dies after flowering, and a colony only persists if you let it set seed. It then seeds around generously and surplus seedlings need weeding out; cut off the spent spikes if you do not want seedlings. In Central Europe it copes poorly with hot, dry summers: in full sun and drying soil it flowers weakly and burns out quickly, so plant it in part shade and water it. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can spoil the foliage by midsummer, the crown may rot in soggy, heavy soil over winter, and slugs and aphids also find it.

Highly toxic

All parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, stems, roots, seeds) are highly poisonous to people, dogs, cats and horses: they contain cardiac glycosides. Swallowing them causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, disturbed vision and a slow or irregular heartbeat, and can be fatal in severe cases; children are especially at risk. The leaves can irritate sensitive skin, so wear gloves when handling it. If any part has been eaten, contact a doctor or vet immediately.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 60 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, purple, pink, white

All details

Group	Perennial
Light	Part shade, Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 60 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.5 m × 30–75 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	May–July, purple, pink, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	High
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	Highly toxic
For cats	Highly toxic
For children	Highly toxic
Typical price	from about PLN 16

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. PLN 16 – PLN 19

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

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