False Foxglove Plant Care

False Foxglove (Aureolaria virginica) belongs to the Orobanchaceae family within the Aureolaria genus. False Foxglove is native to the eastern United States and Canada, which produces yellow flowers in summer. False Foxglove is also known as Yellow False Foxglove, Virginia Yellowbells.

False Foxglove displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. False Foxglove produces small tubular flowers in shades of yellow or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted False Foxglove every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

False Foxglove thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–200 lux. Avoid placing False Foxglove in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Aureolaria virginica tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. False Foxglove prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for False Foxglove to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed False Foxglove every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining sandy soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

False Foxglove is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

False Foxglove can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune False Foxglove while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

False Foxglove is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

False Foxglove can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to yellow false foxglove plant care, which shares the same genus.

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False Foxglove is susceptible to not highly susceptible to pests. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

False Foxglove grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. False Foxglove is native to the eastern United States and Canada, which produces yellow flowers in summer. In cooler regions, grow False Foxglove as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.