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Foxglove · Digitalis purpurea

Why is my foxglove not flowering?

Foxgloves are biennials, meaning they usually only bloom in their second year. If your plant is in its first year, it is just focusing on growing leaves. Check if your plant is mature enough to bloom before worrying.

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Check these first

  1. Check the age of your plant to see if it is in its second year.
  2. Observe the amount of sunlight the plant receives daily.
  3. Ensure the plant is not crowded by other large shrubs.

Likely causes

  1. First year growth

    Most likely

    How to tell: The plant is small and only has a rosette of leaves at the base.

    What to do: Be patient and keep the plant healthy through the winter. It will likely send up a tall flower spike next spring.

  2. Insufficient light

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant looks healthy but refuses to produce a flower stalk.

    What to do: Move your foxglove to a spot that gets at least 6 hours of partial sun. If it is in deep shade, it will struggle to gather enough energy to bloom.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your foxglove

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If your plant is in its second year and still has no flower spike by midsummer, it may not be getting enough sun.

Stopping it coming back

Plant your foxgloves in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to encourage strong blooming.

Foxglove: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your foxglove and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will my foxglove bloom every year?
Most common foxgloves are biennials and die after blooming once. Some varieties are perennial and may return, but they often need to be replanted.
Should I cut off the flower spike?
If you want to encourage the plant to produce more seeds for next year, leave the spike until it turns brown. If you want to keep the plant tidy, you can cut it back after the flowers fade.

More problems with Foxglove

Back to the Foxglove guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.