Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea) are beautiful flowers that can add charm and interest to any garden. Their tall spires of tubular flowers come in a range of colors from purple, pink, yellow, and white. Beyond their visual appeal, foxgloves attract a variety of beneficial insects and pollinators.
Bees
Foxgloves attract bees with their nectar-rich flowers. The shape of foxglove flowers makes it easy for bees to land on them and reach the nectar. Bees seen visiting foxgloves include honeybees, bumblebees, mining bees, mason bees, and wool carder bees. These bees gather foxglove nectar and pollen to take back to their hives or nesting sites.
Having foxgloves in your garden provides an excellent source of food for bees. And in return, the bees help pollinate your foxgloves. The movements of the bees transferring pollen from flower to flower results in better seed production for the foxgloves. So attracting bees is beneficial to both the bees and the foxgloves.
Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are also attracted to foxgloves. They will visit the flowers to drink the nectar. Hummingbirds have long slender beaks perfectly adapted for reaching into the tubular foxglove flowers. As the hummingbirds move between flowers, they also assist in pollination.
It’s enjoyable to watch hummingbirds delicately hovering beside the tall flower spikes. Adding foxgloves to your garden can help attract these special birds. Choose varieties with red or pink blooms to be especially enticing to hummingbirds.
Butterflies
Foxgloves are a nectar source for butterflies including swallowtails, red admirals, painted ladies, commas, and monarch butterflies. The butterflies drink the foxglove nectar through their long proboscis. While feeding on the flowers, they also transfer pollen which aids the plant.
Butterflies are beautiful additions to any garden. If you want to encourage more butterflies to visit your yard, planting foxgloves provides them an excellent food source. The coloring and shape of foxglove flowers are also visually complimentary to visiting butterflies.
Moths
A variety of moths are also attracted to foxgloves. You may see both day-flying and night-flying moths visiting the flowers. Moths have antennae equipped to detect flower scents. They follow the appealing fragrance of foxglove blooms to locate the nectar they seek.
Some of the moths commonly seen drinking foxglove nectar include:
- Hummingbird hawk-moths
- Primroses
- Chimney sweeps
- Plume moths
- Noctuid moths
The interactions of moths and foxgloves are mutually beneficial. The moths gain nourishment while aiding pollination. Moths are also interesting additions to a garden, so attracting them can provide enjoyment.
Bumblebees
Bumblebees are frequent visitors to foxgloves. Their larger size and furry bodies make them well equipped to deal with the shape and depth of foxglove flowers. Bumblebees sonicate the flowers by quickly contracting their flight muscles. This vibrates the flower to release more pollen for them to gather.
Foxgloves are an excellent nectar and pollen source for bumblebees. Having foxgloves around provides essential nutrition for bumblebee colonies. In return, the industrious bumblebees ensure good pollination for the foxgloves.
Other Beneficial Insects
In addition to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths, other beneficial insects are also drawn to foxgloves:
- Ladybug beetles
- Lacewings
- Frit flies
- Wasp parasitoids
- Hoverflies
- Tachinid flies
These predatory and parasitic insects visit foxgloves to feed on nectar and pollen. Their presence helps control pests like aphids, caterpillars, and other plant-damaging insects. Any garden benefits from attracting these beneficial species.
Humans Too!
Humans are also attracted to foxgloves! Not for the nectar, but for their beautiful flowers. Foxgloves add a graceful, ornamental element to gardens. The long-lasting blooms look lovely in wildflower meadows, perennial borders, cottage gardens, and woodland settings.
For gardeners, part of the appeal of foxgloves is the diversity of colors and sizes available. You can find foxgloves in shades of purple, lavender, pink, rose, yellow, white, and cream. Heights range from 2 feet to towering 5+ feet tall.
Historically, foxgloves have long been valued for their medicinal properties as well. The heart stimulant digitalis continues to be derived from foxgloves today. But growing them simply for their beauty may be the greatest attraction of all for many people.
Who Should Avoid Foxgloves?
While foxgloves attract pollinators and people, some animals should steer clear. Foxgloves contain cardiac glycosides, which are toxic to some animals when ingested. Animals most at risk include:
- Cattle
- Horses
- Goats
- Sheep
- Chickens
- Cats
- Dogs
Livestock with access to foxgloves growing in pasture areas may suffer cardiac problems if they eat the plants. Pets like dogs and cats can also become poisoned by chewing on foxglove leaves or flowers. So foxgloves are best kept out of areas accessible to grazing animals or curious pets.
Where to Plant Foxgloves
When considering where to plant foxgloves, choose a location that balances attracting pollinators with keeping vulnerable animals safe. Good spots include:
- Fenced off perennial gardens
- Areas away from livestock pastures
- Raised garden beds
- Walled gardens
- Spaces near beehives or butterfly gardens
Site foxgloves in full sun to partial shade where the soil is rich and well-draining. Give them some protection from strong winds which may batter the tall flower stalks. With the right growing conditions, foxgloves will thrive and generously reward you with blooms!
Gifts for Pollinators and People
Foxgloves have many attractive qualities. Their elegant beauty beckons admiring eyes from people and pollinators alike. With the right considerations for planting locations, foxgloves enrich gardens in many ways. They offer sustenance for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects. And they charm people with gorgeous, colorful flowers. Foxgloves truly are gifts both for pollinators and people.
Conclusion
Foxgloves attract a diverse range of creatures with their nectar-rich blooms. They provide food for important pollinating insects like bees and butterflies. Hummingbirds also visit for nectar. Even some moths and other beneficial insects are drawn to the flowers. Beyond pollinators, foxgloves are valued by gardeners for their beautiful, long-lasting floral displays. With careful site selection to keep grazing livestock away, foxgloves can be grown successfully to attract pollinators and please people in many gardens.
