Pest identification
What's eating my common foxglove?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on flower spikes and young leaves; honeydew leads to sooty mould
Control: Rub off by hand or apply insecticidal soap; encourage predators
Slugs & snails
Signs: Holes and scalloped edges on basal rosette leaves, especially autumn through spring
Control: Iron phosphate pellets around the crown; copper tape; nightly handpicking
Caterpillars (various moth species)
Signs: Large irregular holes in leaves; defoliation of individual stems in severe cases
Control: Handpick; apply Bt spray; accept some damage as part of wildlife-friendly gardening
Keep common foxglove pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Common Foxglove pests — FAQ
What is eating my common foxglove?
Common Foxglove is relatively pest-resistant, but aphids colonise soft new growth and flower spikes, and caterpillars of various moths feed on foliage. Slugs and snails damage the overwintering rosette in autumn and spring. Deer avoid it due to its toxicity, but rabbits occasionally sample young leaves.
How do I get rid of aphids on common foxglove?
Clusters on flower spikes and young leaves; honeydew leads to sooty mould Rub off by hand or apply insecticidal soap; encourage predators
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on common foxglove?
Holes and scalloped edges on basal rosette leaves, especially autumn through spring Iron phosphate pellets around the crown; copper tape; nightly handpicking
How do I get rid of caterpillars (various moth species) on common foxglove?
Large irregular holes in leaves; defoliation of individual stems in severe cases Handpick; apply Bt spray; accept some damage as part of wildlife-friendly gardening