Say Goodbye to Wilted Foxgloves: Proven Strategies on How to Care for Foxglove After Blooming

The vibrant, bell-shaped flowers of foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) are a beloved sight in gardens across the globe. But what happens after their captivating bloom fades? Knowing how to care for foxglove after blooming is crucial to ensuring their health and promoting future blooms. This guide will provide comprehensive insights into the essential steps to take after your foxglove flowers have finished their show.

Understanding Foxglove’s Life Cycle

Foxgloves are biennials, meaning they complete their life cycle in two years. In the first year, they produce a rosette of leaves, and in the second year, they send up a tall flowering stalk. After blooming, the plant will naturally die back. However, there are steps you can take to encourage new growth and extend the lifespan of your foxgloves.

Deadheading: A Crucial Step

Deadheading involves removing the spent flower stalks from the plant. This simple practice promotes several benefits:

• Encourages New Blooms: By removing the spent flowers, you prevent the plant from focusing its energy on seed production. This encourages the plant to produce new flower buds and potentially bloom again in the same year.
• Prevents Self-Seeding: Foxgloves are prolific seed producers. Removing the spent flower stalks prevents unwanted seedlings from popping up throughout your garden.
• Improves Aesthetics: Deadheading keeps your foxgloves looking tidy and prevents the plant from becoming unsightly as the spent flowers wither and brown.

Pruning for Healthy Growth

After deadheading, consider pruning your foxgloves to encourage bushier growth. This is particularly beneficial for plants that have become leggy or have developed weak stems.

• Cut Back to the Ground: For a more dramatic effect, you can cut back the entire plant to the ground after the first year of flowering. This will encourage new growth and a more robust flowering display the following year.
• Selective Pruning: Alternatively, you can selectively prune individual stems or branches to encourage new growth in specific areas.

Seed Collection: Propagating Your Foxgloves

If you want to enjoy more foxgloves in your garden, you can collect seeds from the spent flower stalks.

• Let Some Flowers Go to Seed: Allow a few flower stalks to remain on the plant after blooming. This will allow the seed pods to develop and ripen.
• Harvest the Seed Pods: Once the seed pods turn brown and dry, harvest them from the plant.
• Store the Seeds: Remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a cool, dry place. You can sow the seeds directly in the garden in the fall or spring.

Division: Creating New Plants

Foxgloves can also be propagated through division. This involves separating the plant’s roots into smaller clumps, each with its own set of roots and shoots.

• Divide in Early Spring or Fall: The best time to divide foxgloves is in early spring or fall.
• Dig Up the Plant: Carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller clumps.
• Replant the Divisions: Replant the divisions in a new location, ensuring that each division has a good root system.

Fertilizing: Boosting Growth

Foxgloves benefit from regular fertilization, particularly after blooming. This provides the plant with the nutrients it needs to recover from flowering and prepare for future growth.

• Use a Balanced Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, to the soil around the base of the plant.
• Fertilize in Spring and Fall: Fertilize your foxgloves in the spring and fall to provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive.

Watering: Keeping the Soil Moist

Foxgloves prefer moist soil, but they are also susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.

• Water Regularly: Water your foxgloves regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Avoid Overwatering: Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Protecting Your Foxgloves from Pests and Diseases

Foxgloves are generally resistant to pests and diseases, but they can be susceptible to certain issues.

• Slugs and Snails: These pests can damage the foliage and flowers of foxgloves. Use slug baits or hand-pick them from your plants.
• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause white powdery patches on the leaves. Avoid overwatering and ensure good air circulation around your plants.

Foxglove After Bloom: A Final Thought

Caring for foxgloves after blooming is a simple yet essential practice that keeps your garden vibrant and full of life. By following these steps, you can ensure the health of your foxgloves and enjoy their stunning blooms for years to come.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I keep my foxgloves in the same spot year after year?

A: While you can keep your foxgloves in the same spot for a few years, it’s best to divide them and replant them in a new location every few years. This helps to prevent the buildup of diseases and pests.

Q: Is it necessary to deadhead all the flowers?

A: No, you can leave a few flowers on the plant to go to seed if you want to collect seeds for propagation. However, it’s best to deadhead most of the flowers to encourage new blooms and prevent self-seeding.

Q: Can I grow foxgloves from cuttings?

A: Foxgloves are not easily propagated from cuttings. They are best propagated from seeds or by division.

Q: Are foxgloves poisonous?

A: Yes, all parts of the foxglove plant are poisonous to humans and animals. Keep them away from children and pets.

Q: How long does it take for foxgloves to bloom after being planted?

A: Foxgloves will typically bloom in their second year after being planted. If you start them from seed, they will bloom in their third year.