Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) are majestic biennial or short-lived perennial plants that bring vertical interest and a touch of the wild to gardens. From a botanical perspective, choosing the right companions involves understanding their growth habits, environmental needs, and ecological relationships to create a thriving plant community.
Foxgloves naturally thrive in dappled shade, often found at woodland edges. Their tall flower spikes and large, broad leaves create a valuable microclimate for lower-growing plants. Species that appreciate protection from intense afternoon sun, such as Hostas and Ferns, benefit greatly from being planted near foxgloves. The foxglove's foliage acts as a living mulch, helping to shade the soil, retain moisture, and keep the roots of these shade-loving plants cool and damp. This relationship reduces water stress for all plants involved.
The vertical form of foxgloves provides a stunning contrast to plants with different growth habits. Mounding or horizontally spreading plants create a beautiful textural and visual balance. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) is an excellent partner, its soft, scalloped leaves catching water droplets and cradling the base of the foxglove stems. The airy, cloud-like blooms of Japanese Anemones or Astilbes provide a soft, billowing contrast to the strong, rigid spikes of the foxgloves, creating a layered effect in the border.
As biennials, foxgloves have a specific life cycle, often flowering in their second year before setting seed and dying. To ensure the garden remains vibrant, pair them with plants that fill the gaps. Early spring bulbs like Narcissus (Daffodils) or Tulips provide color before the foxgloves reach their full height. Later in the season, after the foxgloves have finished blooming, perennials like Phlox or Hardy Geraniums (Cranesbills) can expand to cover the space left behind, ensuring there are no bare patches in the planting scheme.
Foxgloves are renowned for attracting pollinators, especially bumblebees, which are one of the few insects strong enough to push their way into the tubular flowers. Planting other pollinator-friendly species nearby creates a rich feeding station. Catmint (Nepeta), Salvias, and Lavender bloom around the same time and attract a diversity of beneficial insects. This diversity can help with natural pest control, as predatory insects are drawn to the area. Furthermore, the toxic nature of all parts of the foxglove plant (containing digitalis) may act as a deterrent to certain browsing animals, offering a degree of protection to more palatable neighboring plants.
