How to Prune a Foxglove

Foxglove: a killer and a savior.

Foxglove, also known as digitalis, is a tall, lanky beauty that blooms from June through September. On tall stalks, clusters of colorful, tubular flowers belie the contradictory medicinal facts about this plant. Although it is a deadly poisonous plant if ingested out of the garden, foxglove gives the world digitalis, a drug prescribed by doctors for heart problems. The easy-to-grow foxglove requires just a bit of pruning in late summer when it finishes blooming.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Gloves

Instructions

1. Deadhead foxglove during the flowering season to remove spent flowers. If you plan on saving the seeds, allow the flowers to dry on the plant and then use pruning shears to cut the stalk all the way into the foliage.

2. Prune away any damaged and distorted foliage caused by pests. Cut the foliage back to the main stem and discard the cut portion -- do not compost it.

3. Cut off brown and wilted foliage. Foxglove tends to become a bit ratty and brown at the outside edges during the growing season. These leaves should be cut back into the plant.

References

• Texas A&M University: Foxglove
• University of Minnesota: Pruning Perennials; Dana Gardener; 2006
• "The Well-Tended Perennial Garden: Planting & Pruning Techniques"; Tracy DiSabato-Aust; 1998