Astilbe vs Foxglove

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Astilbe

Astilbe × arendsii

Saxifragaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Plantaginaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Astilbe (Zones 4-8)

Foxglove (Zones 4-8)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 4–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Foxglove
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Digitalis purpurea
Family	Saxifragaceae	Plantaginaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	5'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Purple, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Europe
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Astilbe

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Foxglove

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Foxglove

✓Let self-seed for continuous display.
✓Plant in drifts for best effect.
✓Remove unwanted seedlings.
✓Wear gloves when handling.
✓Thrives in woodland edge conditions.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Foxglove if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. They share similar sun requirements (part shade), making them potential garden companions.

View AstilbeProfile →View FoxgloveProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Foxglove grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Foxglove grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Foxglove have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Foxglove needs part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Foxglove?

Foxglove grows taller at 5' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Foxglove spreads 1' 6" while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Foxglove deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Foxglove are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Foxglove?

Both Astilbe and Foxglove have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Astilbe	Foxglove
Scientific Name	Astilbe × arendsii	Digitalis purpurea
Family	Saxifragaceae	Plantaginaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	3'	5'
Spread	2'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer	Late Spring-Summer
Bloom Color	Red, Pink, White, Purple	Purple, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	East Asia	Europe
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Astilbe

✓Must have consistently moist soil — wilts quickly if dry.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave dried flower heads for winter texture.
✓Feed in spring with balanced fertilizer.

Foxglove

✓Let self-seed for continuous display.
✓Plant in drifts for best effect.
✓Remove unwanted seedlings.
✓Wear gloves when handling.
✓Thrives in woodland edge conditions.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Astilbe if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 4–8.

Choose Foxglove if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium water in zones 4–8.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 4–8. They share similar sun requirements (part shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Astilbe and Foxglove grow in the same hardiness zone?

Astilbe grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Foxglove grows in zones 4-8. Both plants can grow together in zones 4 through 8.

Do Astilbe and Foxglove have the same sun and water needs?

Astilbe needs part shade and medium to high water, while Foxglove needs part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Astilbe or Foxglove?

Foxglove grows taller at 5' compared to Astilbe at 3'. Foxglove spreads 1' 6" while Astilbe spreads 2'.

Are Astilbe and Foxglove deer resistant?

Yes, both Astilbe and Foxglove are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Astilbe or Foxglove?

Both Astilbe and Foxglove have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.