To keep foxgloves blooming, it is important to provide them with the right growing conditions and to properly care for them. Here are some tips:
1. Choose the right location: Foxgloves prefer moist but well-drained soil. They can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it is best to provide them with fertile soil that has good drainage. If your soil is heavy and clayey, you can improve it by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure.
2. Sun or shade: Foxgloves can be grown in full sun to full shade, although some varieties are more shade tolerant than others. If you are planting them in a sunny location, make sure the soil stays evenly moist as they can dry out quickly in hot weather. In shady areas, foxgloves will appreciate the cooler conditions and may require less watering.
3. Watering: Foxgloves prefer moist soil, so it is important to keep them well-watered, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and regularly, making sure the soil does not become waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture in the soil and also suppress weed growth.
4. Deadheading: Deadheading is the process of removing the spent blooms from the plant. This not only improves the appearance of the plant but also encourages a second flush of flowers. Simply snip off the faded flowers just above a leaf node or stem junction. If you don’t deadhead, foxgloves will often self-seed, which can be a desirable trait if you want them to naturalize in your garden.
5. Fertilizing: Foxgloves are not heavy feeders, but applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring can help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Use a slow-release or organic fertilizer, following the package instructions for application rates.
6. Support: Some foxglove varieties can grow tall and may require support to prevent them from toppling over. You can use stakes or a decorative plant support to keep the plants upright. Install the support early in the growing season to avoid damaging the roots later on.
7. Pests and diseases: While foxgloves are generally resistant to most pests and diseases, they can occasionally be affected by aphids, slugs, and snails. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pest damage and take appropriate measures to control them. Organic pest control methods such as handpicking or using insecticidal soap can be effective.
8. Self-seeding: If you allow foxgloves to self-seed, they can create a natural and cottage garden look. After the flowers fade, the seed pods will form and eventually split open, scattering the seeds around the garden. If you want to encourage self-seeding, simply let the seed pods dry on the plant, then collect and scatter the seeds where you want them to grow. Alternatively, you can allow the seeds to fall naturally and let nature take its course.
In my personal experience, foxgloves have been fairly low-maintenance plants. I have found that they thrive in partially shaded areas of my garden where the soil stays consistently moist. I make sure to deadhead the spent blooms to promote more flowers, and I have also allowed them to self-seed, which has resulted in beautiful displays of foxgloves in subsequent years. with the right care and attention, foxgloves can provide stunning blooms and add a touch of elegance to any garden.
