I've been flower gardening full time since retirement in 2008. I have 22 beds. Of all my lovely flowers. The one that stumps me the most, is Foxglove. I've had 3 plants in 8 years, they do well, that 1st year. But they don't comeback the following year. I live in North Central Indiana. Zone 5. I've tried it in different beds, with same effect. No returns. I have a friend that has the same problem in our town. The soil is 100% clay, but I've tilled in my own mix of 2 parts compost, 1 part cow manure, 1 part sand. This mix works great for me.But, still, no returns on foxglove. Any suggestions? Obviously something isn't right.
Well draining soil is vital to growing Foxgloves.
Look for Foxglove Foxy Hybrids, they are cold hardy to zone 3; you may have more success with these plants.
These articles have more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/foxglove/foxglove-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/foxglove/foxglove-winter-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/foxglove/deadheading-foxglove-plants.htm
I recently purchased my Penstemon from one of the local big box stores in my area. Once I planted this beautiful specimen it bloomed and bloomed for about 2 weeks. Then it slowly stopped blooming after that 2 week period and there are just a few flowers left. The flower heads and branches have turned brown but the stalks are still green and look healthy. I have been online looking for answers as to what went wrong? I have been trying to find also if I need to cut back the stalks and maybe new growth will appear? I'm not sure what to do? I thought that these perennials were supposed to bloom until fall? It is the end of June? Please help!
It appears that your plants are growing quite well, and your flower spikes have reached maturity. You can leave the flower spikes to go to seed or remove them from the plant to encourage more blooms if your lucky.
Here is an article that will refresh you on this perennial and it's care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/penstemon/penstemon-beard-tongue.htm
The plant has no blooms left. Should it be trimmed back? Very unattractive now that the blooms are gone. Thanks!
Yes, deadheading will help the plant grow and deter self seeding.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/foxglove/deadheading-foxglove-plants.htm
Is Foxglove Pet-safe?
How do you save seeds from foxglove?
Cut off the flower spikes as the seed capsules turn brown.
Shake the capsules and catch the seed that falls. Make sure your hands are dry to stop the seed sticking.
Sprinkle the seed evenly over the compost. The seeds need light to germinate, so leave them uncovered.
Sow the seed as soon as you collect it, so that it's fresh and seedlings are well-developed before winter. Sow in pots of pre-watered seed-sowing compost and keep the pots in a cold frame.
I have 2 foxgloves in my garden, a white and a purple. The white plant is amazing, it has 2 flower stalks over 5 feet tall, and one stalk over 6 feet. There are several small shoots coming out now and I noticed new foliage growth at the base of the plant. I really would love for this plant to re-seed itself. How can I make sure it does? I've not done any dead heading, and all the stalks are empty of flowers now except for the very top of the 6 foot stalk, it has new little blossoms on it again. The purple plant didn't get nearly as tall, the stalks are also empty but I see new foliage at the base and some possible shoots. I really love this flower and would like to keep them growing. What can I do to ensure the seeding if new plants? Thank you for your time. Sheila Graham
Thank you for the reply.
Leaving the spent flowers in place will help your plant reseed itself in your garden.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/foxglove/deadheading-foxglove-plants.htm
What do I have to do to get foxglove ready for winter?
You don't, actually, have to do much. this plant (unless it is a common perennial), only lives for two years before it sets seed and dies. If you really want to cut it back, I would suggest letting it die off naturally first. Then, while it is in dormancy, it is safe to cut it back.
Here is an article that will help you gain more knowledge of the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/foxglove/foxglove-winter-care.htm