Foxglove vs Hydrangea

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

Foxglove

Digitalis purpurea

Plantaginaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangeaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Foxglove (Zones 4-8)

Hydrangea (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–8

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Foxglove	Hydrangea
Scientific Name	Digitalis purpurea	Hydrangea macrophylla
Family	Plantaginaceae	Hydrangeaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	5'	6'
Spread	1' 6"	6'
Bloom Season	Late Spring-Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Purple, Pink, White	Blue, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Europe	Japan
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Special Traits

Foxglove

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Hydrangea

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

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.

Hydrangea

✓Prune after flowering on old wood varieties.
✓Add aluminum sulfate for blue flowers, lime for pink.
✓Protect from afternoon sun in hot climates.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Hydrangea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. They share similar sun requirements (part shade), making them potential garden companions.

View FoxgloveProfile →View HydrangeaProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Foxglove and Hydrangea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Foxglove grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Hydrangea grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

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

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

Which grows taller, Foxglove or Hydrangea?

Hydrangea grows taller at 6' compared to Foxglove at 5'. Hydrangea spreads 6' while Foxglove spreads 1' 6".

Are Foxglove and Hydrangea deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Foxglove or Hydrangea?

Foxglove has low maintenance while Hydrangea has medium maintenance. Foxglove may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Foxglove	Hydrangea
Scientific Name	Digitalis purpurea	Hydrangea macrophylla
Family	Plantaginaceae	Hydrangeaceae
Category	flowers	flowers
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	⛅ Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium to High
Soil	Rich, Moist	Rich, Moist
Height	5'	6'
Spread	1' 6"	6'
Bloom Season	Late Spring-Summer	Summer
Bloom Color	Purple, Pink, White	Blue, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Medium
Native Region	Europe	Japan
Maintenance	Low	Medium

Care Tips

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.

Hydrangea

✓Prune after flowering on old wood varieties.
✓Add aluminum sulfate for blue flowers, lime for pink.
✓Protect from afternoon sun in hot climates.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Hydrangea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–8. They share similar sun requirements (part shade), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Foxglove and Hydrangea grow in the same hardiness zone?

Foxglove grows in USDA zones 4-8, while Hydrangea grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 8.

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

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

Which grows taller, Foxglove or Hydrangea?

Hydrangea grows taller at 6' compared to Foxglove at 5'. Hydrangea spreads 6' while Foxglove spreads 1' 6".

Are Foxglove and Hydrangea deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Foxglove or Hydrangea?

Foxglove has low maintenance while Hydrangea has medium maintenance. Foxglove may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.