Foxgloves are found in woodlands up and down the country and they thrive in those conditions. There is so much more to this stately looking flower. By companion planting foxgloves you will reap many benefits not least of which is this pretty flower.
Thompson and Morgan have a great post on how to grow foxgloves click here to see it.
Companion Planting Foxgloves
I’ll have to start with a word of warning, foxgloves are poisonous to people and animals, that said they contain digitalis which is a steroid which exerts a powerful action on the heart . For my top five poisonous plants for dogs click here. So exercise caution when handling foxgloves, given their beneficial effect on the heart it should come as no surprise that surrounding plants do better for being near them.
Foxgloves are in that elite plant club of dynamic accumulators. Their roots dig deep and release iron which is then freely shared with neighbours. Plants that benefit from the practise of companion planting foxgloves include:-
Foxgloves and Tomatoes
Growing foxgloves in companion with tomatoes will stimulate growth in the tomato plant and protect them from fungal infection. Bees are also attracted to foxgloves and all pollinators are very welcome. For in depth information on companion planting tomatoes click here.
Foxgloves and Potatoes
Tomatoes and potatoes are members of the same family and enjoy the same benefits when it comes to foxglove companions. Stimulated growth and protection from fungal infections.
Foxgloves and Apple Trees
The main benefits from this companionship is stimulated growth in the apple tree and Protection from fungal infections. Also better fruit pollination and improved keeping quality in the fruit. To find out more about companion planting apple trees click here.
Foxgloves and Plum Trees
Plum trees are another deciduous fruit tree that will benefit from companionship with foxgloves. Improved growth, better pollination, less fungal infections, and all round healthier trees. For more on companion planting plum trees click the link.
Foxgloves and Cherry Trees
Under planting cherry trees with foxgloves will bring more pollinators to your cherry blossom very handy especially if they are early bloomers. The trees will have improved health with less fungal infections and more fruit.
Foxgloves and Pear Trees
Pears and apples reap the same benefits from companion planting with foxgloves. they are:- Better pollination, improved fruit keeping qualities, stimulated growth, and protection from fungal infections. My post companion planting pear trees gives you more on this subject.
foxgloves prefer the dappled shade from the fruit trees leafy canopy so an orchard suits them. There are 2 types of foxgloves, perennial and biennial.Perennials will regrow each year and biennials take 2 years to set seed. But because of their prolific nature even the biennials will seem like perennials.
What Not To Grow With Foxgloves
There are too many plants to list here so I’ll keep it simple. Originally found in woodland, foxgloves do much better in slight shade. So any plant that needs full sunlight should not be grown with foxgloves.