Warning issued to anyone planting foxglove in their garden

foxgloves in your comes with specific warnings due to their toxicity and potential risks. Foxgloves are versatile and add a dramatic vertical element to cottage gardens, woodland settings, or wildflower borders. 

Their beauty and appeal to pollinators make them a cherished addition to many gardens, though caution is advised due to their toxicity.

Every part of the foxglove plant—leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds—contains toxic compounds such as digitalin, digitoxin, and digoxin.

Ingesting even small amounts can cause severe symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, irregular heart rhythms, and, in extreme cases, death.

Experts from  have warned  planning to plant foxglove in their gardens.

They said: “Foxgloves can be planted at just about any time of year but avoid planting when the soil is frozen solid, waterlogged or extremely dry.

“Dig over the planting area, incorporating some organic matter such as compost or leafmould. Dig a good sized hole big enough to easily fit the rootball.

“Place the rootball in the planting hole and adjust the depth so the top of the rootball is level with the soil surface. Fill the hole with mixed soil and compost then water in well to settle the roots.”

Foxglove plants typically grow between 2 to 6 feet tall. Their bell-shaped flowers grow on a central spike and often feature speckled throats.

The leaves are soft and lance-shaped and form a basal rosette in the first year of growth. They thrive in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.

Planting foxgloves in areas where children and pets cannot access them, such as fenced-off sections or elevated flower beds is advisable.

One should clearly label the plants to inform others of their toxicity.

Regularly deadhead flowers to control self-seeding and wear gloves during handling.

Inform family members, especially children, about the dangers of touching or ingesting the plant.