Foxglove is a wild, native plant but also used in perennial displays in the landscape. The tall flower spikes bloom from the bottom up and produce prolific seeds. Should you get rid of foxgloves’ spent flowers? Yes, if you don’t want foxgloves to take over your garden. Deadheading foxglove plants can minimize their spread, but it has added benefits as well. Details on how to remove spent blooms follow.
Foxgloves are a classic garden flower that can put on a gorgeous display in early to mid summer. Their tall spikes of tubular flowers come in shades of purple, pink, white, yellow and red. Foxgloves self-seed freely around the garden and make a great addition to cottage garden schemes. However, what should you do when those beautiful blooms are gone? Keep reading for advice on how to take care of foxgloves after they bloom.
When the stalks of those towering tubular foxglove blooms start to fade, it’s time to get the pruners out! Deadheading means cutting off the spent flowers just below the faded bloom. This gardening ritual encourages more blooms and keeps plants looking fresh.
When it comes to biennial foxgloves, cutting off the dead flowers after the first round is important for getting a second round of flowers later in the summer on shorter stalks. Trust me, it’s worth the effort for more of those gorgeous bell-shaped blossoms!.
Start deadheading foxgloves as soon as flowers fade or look unsightly. Don’t wait until the last bloom fades. Patrol your garden bed regularly and snip off individual finished flower stalks.
With their vibrantly colored foliage, coral bells (Heuchera) are stars of the shade garden. Their low mounds of leaves come in colors ranging from burgundy to chartreuse to frosted pink. Delicate flower spikes appear in spring and summer adding pops of white, pink or red. This versatility makes coral bells ideal accent plants that complement a wide variety of other perennials, annuals, shrubs, and grasses.
When planning companion plantings, it’s important to consider factors like sunlight needs, height, texture, and bloom time. Combining plants with contrasting forms and colors creates visual interest. Choosing perennials with similar cultural requirements ensures everyone thrives. Here are some of the best options for plant pairings with coral bells.
Woodland Companion Plants for Coral Bells
Coral bells thrive in the dappled sunlight and moist soils of woodland environments. For shady spots, combine them with other plants that share these preferences
Astilbe
The feathery flower plumes of astilbe provide excellent textural contrast to coral bells’ smooth foliage. Astilbe’s airy blooms come in shades like white, pink, red, or purple that pop against coral bells’ leaves. They have similar needs for shade and moisture.
Bleeding Heart
The pendulous, heart-shaped flowers of bleeding heart make a charming companion for coral bells. Bleeding heart blooms prolifically in spring. Afterward, its lacy foliage complements coral bells’ coloring. Plant taller varieties behind shorter coral bells.
Ferns
The lacy fronds of ferns like autumn fern create the perfect woodland backdrop for coral bells. Their arching forms contrast beautifully with coral bells’ rounded leaves. Ferns thrive in the same shady, moist conditions.
Hostas
Hostas are a classic pairing with coral bells, and no wonder. Their broad leaves wonderfully balance coral bells’ delicate texture. Use large hosta varieties as a backdrop to showcase colorful coral bells in front.
Hellebores
Hellebores bloom very early in spring, extending the season. The dark green, leathery foliage provides the perfect foil for brightly colored coral bells nearby. Hellebores tolerate shade well and work nicely as underplantings.
Heucheras
Why not combine coral bells with other heucheras? Contrasting leaf shapes, colors, and sizes create visual dynamism. Try pairing a ruffled red coral bell with a purple-leaved variety like ‘Plum Pudding’.
Sun-Loving Companions for Coral Bells
While coral bells prefer partial to full shade, many varieties tolerate some morning sun. Here are some good sun-loving companions.
Lady’s Mantle
The scalloped, fuzzy leaves of lady’s mantle contrast beautifully with coral bells’ smoother foliage. Lady’s mantle’s airy yellow flower spikes complement coral bell blooms. Give coral bells afternoon shade in hot climates.
Catmint
Catmint thrives in full sun and provides long weeks of blue-purple blooms. Its wilder form contrasts with coral bells’ tidyhabit. Plant catmint behind shorter coral bells varieties to provide a colorful backdrop.
Iris
Bearded iris prefer full sun and provide a burst of color in late spring. Theirsword-like foliage contrasts nicely with coral bells. Choose taller iris varieties andposition them behind shorter coral bells for balance.
Geraniums
Hardy geraniums thrive in full sun and provide moundsof colorful blooms. The rounded lobed leaves pair nicely with coral bells. Combine shorter coral bells in front of upright geranium varieties for dimension.
Artemisia
Artemisia’s fine, silvery foliage contrasts beautifully with coral bells’ bolder leaf shapes and colors. ‘Silver Mound’ is a compact artemisia cultivar that works well with coral bells. Give coral bells afternoon shade.
Grasses as Companions for Coral Bells
Ornamental grasses provide texture and movement that complements coral bells’ colors. Here are some top choices:
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Japanese forest grass – Graceful, mounding habit with arching green blades
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Blue fescue – Blue-greencolor and clumping form contrasts coral bells beautifully
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Sedges – Fine-textured grass great as an edging plant alongside coral bells
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Switch grass – Taller grass perfect as a backdrop for shorter coral bells
Best Annuals to Pair With Coral Bells
Annuals allow you to change up companion plants each year. Some top annual pairings include:
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Begonias – Combine wax begonia’s shiny leaves and dainty blooms with coral bells.
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Coleus – Vibrant coleus foliage looks stunning next to coral bell’s colors. Give afternoon shade.
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Impatiens – Busy Lizzie’s abundant flowers complement coral bells’ form and provide color.
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Caladium – High-contrast leaf patterns pair perfectly with coral bells’ bold colors.
Balancing Colors, Textures, and Habits
Thinking about plant characteristics like height, form, texture, and color helps create combinations that are balanced and harmonious. Be sure to also consider bloom time so something is always catching the eye.
To make the most of coral bells’ dramatic colors, companion plants with silver, chartreuse, or deep burgundy foliage are perfect for creating striking contrast. Feathery or lacy textures like astilbe provide nice counterpoint to coral bells’ rounded leaves.
By combining coral bells with plants that echo its preferences for shade and moisture, you’ll have a garden that thrives with minimal fuss. Coral bells’ versatility means you can find ideal companion plants for settings from woodland gardens to sunny borders. Thoughtful plant pairings let coral bells’ vivid colors and forms truly shine.
Allowing Foxgloves to Self-Seed
Many gardeners simply let foxgloves self-seed around the garden once flowering is over. The tall spires laden with seeds will gradually break apart and scatter seeds over the nearby soil. These seeds will lie dormant over winter before germinating the following spring.
If you have a special spot for foxgloves, letting them self-seed is an easy way to make sure they keep growing. However foxglove seeds can spread and may pop up where you don’t want them. Be prepared to weed out seedlings around the garden.
Cutting Back Flower Spikes
You can remove the spent flowers by deadheading them, or you can cut back the whole flower spike when all the flowers are gone. Use clean, sterilized secateurs to cut each spike back down to the base of the plant. Make the cut just above a leaf node.
This helps keep foxgloves looking neat and compact after flowering rather than leaving bare spikes standing up. It also removes the old flower stems that can harbor pests and diseases. Cutting flower spikes back in this way can help the plant survive the winter and may even lead to a second bloom.
Foxglove plants have a rosette of leaves at the base that stays green all winter. But the bigger leaves on the flower spikes die back after the flowers are gone. Cutting off the damaged and faded upper leaves in late summer or early fall helps the plant grow back.
Make cuts just above healthy leaves lower down on the stem using sterilized pruners. Take care not to damage the crown of the plant where new growth emerges. Removing tattered foliage also prevents issues with foliar diseases taking hold.
November Companion Plants – Huechera
FAQ
What looks good next to coral bells?
Should you cut back coral bells in the fall?
Where do coral bells like to be planted?
What are companion plants for caramel coral bells?
What is a good companion plant for coral bells?
Hostas: Hostas are another popular choice for companion plants for coral bells. They are shade-tolerant perennials that come in a variety of leaf shapes and colors. Hostas help to improve the soil drainage and provide shade, which can help to protect coral bells from pests and diseases.
Are coral bells easy to grow?
They are also relatively easy to grow, making them a good option for beginners. However, coral bells can benefit from being planted with companion plants. Companion plants can help to improve the health and appearance of coral bells, and can also deter pests. Companion Plants for Coral Bells
Is Astilbe a good companion plant for coral bells?
Astilbe: Astilbe is a herbaceous perennial that blooms in late spring and early summer. It has delicate, feathery flowers that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, purple, and red. Astilbe is a good companion plant for coral bells because it helps to improve the soil drainage and provides shade.
How do you plant coral bells with companion plants?
To plant coral bells with companion plants, follow these steps: 1. Dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the coral bell’s root ball. 2. Place the coral bell in the hole and fill in with soil. 3. Water the coral bell well. 4. Mulch around the coral bell to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the sun.