From our perspective, the majority of foxglove plants (Digitalis purpurea) live for two years, a lifecycle we classify as biennial. Our first year is a dedicated season of growth and preparation. After germinating from a tiny seed, we focus our energy not on producing flowers, but on building a strong root system and a low-lying rosette of soft, fuzzy leaves. We spend this year gathering sunlight and nutrients, storing all that energy in our roots to fuel a spectacular display in our second year. We must establish ourselves firmly to survive the winter and have the strength for our grand finale.
After the cold winter dormancy, we surge back to life in our second spring. Using the stored energy from our first year, we rapidly send up a tall, majestic flower spike, often reaching several feet high. This spike becomes adorned with dozens of tubular, bell-shaped flowers, typically in shades of purple, pink, or white. This bloom is our primary purpose from a reproductive standpoint; it is how we attract bees and other pollinators to ensure the survival of our species. Once the blooming is complete and we have successfully set seed, our life's work is finished. Having expended all our energy on reproduction, our main plant dies. This is not a tragedy but the successful completion of our intended lifecycle.
While the classic biennial pattern is most true to our nature, our behavior can sometimes appear more perennial. Some specific cultivars, particularly those bred from Digitalis grandiflora or Digitalis lutea, are more genetically inclined to live for several years, re-blooming each season. Furthermore, even the common foxglove can exhibit a short-lived perennial habit in ideal conditions with perfect soil, moisture, and climate. If the main flower spike is cut back before it sets seed, the plant may sometimes be tricked into living another year to try again, though this is not guaranteed. Most importantly, we are prolific self-seeders. While an individual plant dies, it leaves behind thousands of seeds that drop to the soil. This creates a persistent colony where new seedlings germinate each year, creating the illusion that the same plants are living for many years, when in reality it is a continuous cycle of new generations.
Several environmental factors directly impact how long we live and how well we bloom. We thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sufficient moisture, especially during our first year of growth and as we develop our flower spike, is crucial for a strong bloom. While we appreciate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, too much shade can lead to weaker, spindly plants that may not bloom as prolifically. Finally, allowing our seeds to mature and scatter ensures the continuation of the colony, effectively making our presence in a garden perennial, even if our individual lives are brief.
