Hey fellow garden enthusiasts! I’ve been experimenting with foxgloves in my garden for years and I’m super excited to share everything I know about the best companion plants for these enchanting flowers. If you’re looking to create a stunning garden display with foxgloves you’ve come to the right place!
Why Foxgloves Need Garden Friends
Before we dive into the companion plants let’s quickly understand why foxgloves benefit from having plant buddies
- They attract pollinators (especially bees and hummingbirds)
- Create natural pest control
- Enhance soil health
- Add visual drama to your garden
- Help with moisture retention
Best Companion Plants for Foxgloves
1. Tall and Dramatic Partners
These plants match foxgloves’ height and create stunning vertical displays:
-
Delphiniums
- Similar height and growth pattern
- Complementary blue and purple colors
- Creates dramatic vertical interest
-
Snapdragons
- Matching vertical growth
- Various color options
- Extended blooming season
2. Ground-Level Companions
Perfect for creating layers and ground coverage
-
Lavender
- Fantastic fragrance
- Pest-deterrent properties
- Drought-resistant
- Low maintenance
-
Coral Bells (Heuchera)
- Colorful foliage
- Low-growing
- Creates excellent contrast
3. Woodland Friends
For those shady garden spots:
-
Ferns
- Perfect for shade gardens
- Creates lush undergrowth
- Low maintenance
- Natural woodland vibe
-
Hostas
- Thrives in similar conditions
- Large, attractive foliage
- Easy to maintain
Creating Different Garden Styles
Cottage Garden Style
Mix these plants for a dreamy cottage vibe:
- Roses
- Lavender
- Foxgloves
- Delphiniums
- Iris
Woodland Garden Style
Perfect for shaded areas:
- Ferns
- Hostas
- Astilbe
- Japanese tassel fern
- Campanulas
Pro Tips for Success
-
Soil Preparation
- Use well-draining soil
- Add organic matter
- Maintain moisture without waterlogging
-
Spacing Considerations
- Give foxgloves room to grow
- Plant shorter companions in front
- Allow space between plants for air circulation
-
Maintenance Tips
- Deadhead regularly
- Water from the base
- Monitor for pests
Important Safety Note
Just a heads up – foxgloves contain digitalis, which can be toxic. While they’re gorgeous in the garden, I always recommend:
- Keeping them away from edible plants
- Wearing gloves when handling
- Planting away from areas where kids and pets play
Seasonal Planning
Spring
Plant these companions:
- Iris
- Delphiniums
- Snapdragons
Summer
Add these for continuous bloom:
- Lavender
- Roses
- Campanulas
My Personal Experience
I’ve found that mixing foxgloves with roses and lavender creates the most magical combination in my garden. The tall spires of foxgloves provide a perfect backdrop, while lavender fills in the lower spaces with its gorgeous purple haze. Trust me, the bees absolutely love this combo!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Problem: Overcrowding
- Solution: Space plants properly at planting time
-
Problem: Poor blooming
- Solution: Ensure proper light conditions and regular deadheading
Final Thoughts
Creating a beautiful garden with foxgloves isn’t rocket science, but it does take some planning. Remember to consider height, blooming times, and growing conditions when choosing companion plants. And don’t be afraid to experiment – sometimes the most unexpected combinations turn out to be the most beautiful!
For a quick start, I’d recommend beginning with:
- Lavender
- Roses
- Ferns
These three companions have never failed me and provide a solid foundation for a foxglove garden. Happy planting, everyone!
What companion plants have you tried with your foxgloves? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
Best Companion Plants For Foxglove in Containers
The bellflower plants bell-shaped flowers slightly mimic the foxglove blooms shape for a cohesive appearance. Creeping, groundcover types spread, and the stems will tumble over the edge of the container, working as a filler and spiller to the foxglove’s upright thriller role. Petunias also make a wonderful container companion since this annual blooms all season. Petunias, bellflowers and foxgloves do best with routine watering to keep them lush and encourage more blooming.
Perennials To Plant With Foxglove
The mounded form of Dianthus grows best in full to partial sun. The flowers are not large, but this plant is a prolific bloomer, so it makes a significant visual impact. Salvia is another prolific bloomer, but it grows taller than Dianthus, so it fills in more vertical space when planted near tall foxglove varieties. Plant Dianthus, Salvia, and Foxglove to create a tiered, meadow-inspired space.
Columbine is another tall plant that can reach several feet high, adding height to a mass planting. Enjoy the unique back-bending flowers of the Columbine during the spring and early summer. The Columbine’s flowers will dazzle while the foxglove is still growing, so there is consistent interest and support for pollinators. Peony is another perennial that puts on an impressive display during the spring. The large peony flowers fade before the foxglove blooms, but the foliage stays in place, creating a nice background for the foxglove to stand out.
My Experience with Foxglove! // Garden Answer
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