Foxglove Flowers
Foxgloves (Digitalis) are biennials/short-lived perennials famed for tall spires of tubular, speckled blooms in pinks, purples, whites, and apricots. Beloved in cottage gardens and by pollinators, they are also notably poisonous in all parts.
Occasions & recipients
Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Woodland or cottage-style weddings
- Housewarming
- Congratulations for creative achievements
- Garden parties and Midsummer events
- Sympathy (with a clear toxicity notice)
Suitable for
- Creative friends or colleagues
- Gardeners and nature lovers
- Romantic partners who enjoy rustic aesthetics
- Mentors or teachers (symbol of inspiration)
Color taboos
- White (mourning color in many Asian traditions)
- Purple/violet (funerary associations in Italy, Brazil, and parts of Latin Europe)
- Yellow (can imply jealousy in Western romantic contexts)
- Pure white may read somber for celebratory events in some cultures
Card messages
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.
Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Botanical info
Taxonomy
Genus: Digitalis; Family: Plantaginaceae; Common name: Foxglove; Type: biennial/short-lived perennial; Native to western/southern Europe.
Distribution
Native mainly to western and southern Europe (e.g., British Isles, Iberia, France), with some species in the Mediterranean/Macaronesia; widely naturalized across temperate North America, New Zealand, and elsewhere.
Conservation
Not globally threatened; widely cultivated. Avoid wild collecting; some local species/populations may be protected. Source nursery-grown plants to support conservation and pollinators.
Gifting & etiquette
Presentation etiquette
Always disclose toxicity; keep away from children, pets, and food prep areas. For bouquets, keep stems upright, remove lower leaves, provide water source and care card. For potted plants, include gloves and a plant tag; suggest placing out of reach. Be mindful of cultural color meanings when selecting varieties.
Ideal delivery time
Early morning during late spring to early summer (their peak season), kept cool and hydrated in transit.
Health & risk
Toxicity
Severe—contains cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin, digitoxin). Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, bradycardia, dangerous arrhythmias, and can be fatal. Sap may irritate skin/eyes. Keep away from pets, livestock, and children; wear gloves when handling.
Allergenicity
Moderate contact allergen; sap may irritate skin/eyes. Pollen is generally low to moderate. Wear gloves when handling; avoid for highly sensitive individuals.
Meaning & taboos
Symbolism & color
A dual emblem of enchanting beauty and creative power tempered by caution—linked to healing and protection in folklore, yet also to danger; Victorian meanings can include insincerity.
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Biennial habit (leaf rosette first year, flowers second); USDA Zones 4–9. Plant in sun to part shade, in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Sow or transplant late spring to summer; thin to 30–45 cm (12–18 in). Water regularly and mulch; stake tall spikes. Deadhead to extend bloom, leaving a few spikes to self-seed. Wear gloves—plant is poisonous. For cut flowers: harvest when lower bells open, strip lower leaves, recut and place in clean water with preservative.
Recommended tools
- Nitrile or leather gloves
- Hand trowel
- Stake/cane with soft ties
- Bypass pruners
- Watering can or hose with rose
Symbolizes
- Creativity and inspiration
- Healing and protection
- Intuition and magic (fairy folklore)
- Ambition/aspiration (towering spires)
- Insincerity/duplicity (Victorian floriography)