How to Root a Foxglove

Foxglove is a beautiful but poisonous flowering plant that can be propagated by rooting.

"Rooting" is the process of using cuttings or roots from existing plants to propagate new plants. Rooting is one method for propagating foxglove (genus Digitalis). Rooting is usually employed in colder climates with short growing seasons, where foxglove is unlikely to produce viable seed on its own. In warmer climates, foxglove may self-seed by dropping seed pods, or gardeners can collect seed and sow it by surface seeding to propagate plants.

Things You'll Need

• Mature foxglove
• Trowel and/or tiller

Instructions

1. Dig up one or two existing foxglove plants. Use care not to harm the roots with your trowel or fingers.

2. Separate the roots. Roots will separate easily at weak points; do not pull or break roots.

3. Sink the individual roots into freshly tilled earth, or dig planting holes and break up the earth that will backfill those holes. The size of each hole will depend on the age and size of the root to be planted; ensure that the hole is deep enough for the root to expand to its full length, and plant at approximately the same depth as it was positioned under the parent plant.

4. Cover the transplanted roots and water until the soil is moist to the touch.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch your rooted plants for sprouting. Once your foxglove sprouts, you will know that your rooting method is viable. If you have more plants than the original one or two you separated, use the same method to separate and root those plants.

• If your test-foxglove starts don't root successfully, try planting the roots closer to the surface or try using a rooting powder or gel to stimulate growth on a new round of tests.

• If your climate is mild in summer and cold in winter, separate your foxglove in spring when warmth will precipitate germination. If your climate is hot in summer, separate your foxglove in early fall. Temperatures will be warm enough to promote germination, and the plants will have time to become established and rooted before facing the next summer's heat.

• Plant foxglove in shade or part-shade. This is not a sun-loving species.

• Though used medicinally by professionals, Digitalis species are poisonous to animals and humans. Keep pets and children away from digitalis and handle the plant with care: Use gloves and do not burn plant refuse.

References

• Alchemy Works: Digitalis
• Gardener's World: How to Sow Foxglove Seed

Resources

• Gardens Ablaze: Foxglove