Foxglove
Foxglove is the quintessential cottage-garden spire, its tall stems hung with tubular, freckle-throated bells in soft pinks, purples, apricots and clean whites. Florists prize it for instant height and an English-garden romance that anchors editorial and garden-style weddings. Because the spikes bloom from the bottom up and are fleetingly seasonal, they read as luxurious and of-the-moment. Handle with care: every part of the plant is poisonous.
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Western and Southern Europe |
| Peak season | June, July |
| Availability | May, June, July, August |
| Stem length | 60–120 cm |
| Vase life | 5–8 days |
| Colors | pink, purple, white, cream, apricot |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut stems on an angle and give them a long, deep drink in cool water before designing. Strip lower leaves and buy stems with the lowest bells open and plenty of colour showing up the spike. All parts are toxic if eaten, so wash hands after handling and keep away from food, children and pets. The tall spikes are top-heavy, so store upright to keep them straight.
- •Toxic — wash hands and keep away from food and pets
- •Give a long deep drink before arranging
- •Buy with lower florets already open
- •Store upright so spikes stay straight
- •Recut stems and refresh water regularly
- •Keep cool to slow the opening florets
