Gardening is like painting with nature’s palette, and choosing the right plants can transform your garden into a masterpiece.
I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with foxgloves; they’re undeniably stunning, yet they pose a danger to curious pets and children.
So, I’ve put together a list of 26 beautiful plants that offer the same vertical elegance and refreshing colors without the worry.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these alternatives bring joy, color, and a bit of whimsy to any garden space.
1. Lavender
Imagine walking through a field filled with soothing fragrances, almost as if nature herself is giving you a gentle hug. With its stunning purple spikes and calming scent, lavender is a garden favorite.
Not only does it attract helpful pollinators, but it’s also a fantastic alternative to foxgloves due to its similar height and striking appearance.
Lavender is a tough cookie, thriving even in poor soil conditions. Just be warned: you might find yourself involuntarily relaxing every time you pass by!
2. Hollyhocks
Picture a garden where majestic stalks reach for the heavens, adorned with layers of blooms. Hollyhocks provide that vertical drama many seek.
Their charming flowers range in colors from soft pinks to fresh reds, offering a palette even Monet would envy. Unlike foxgloves, hollyhocks are biennials but offer long-lasting seasonal color.
They’re the kind of plant that makes you stop and just appreciate nature’s grandeur. Plus, they’re hardy and easy to grow, an ideal pick for any garden.
3. Lupines
The garden is alive with the buzz of bees, drawn to a plant that seems to wear a crown of colors. Enter the world of lupines, boasting striking spikes in shades that would make a rainbow blush.
These beauties are not just eye-catching but also soil-enriching, as they fix nitrogen, making them perfect for garden sustainability.
If you’re searching for a foxglove alternative that offers height and color, lupines are your go-to. With a bit of care, they’ll paint your garden every spring.
4. Delphiniums
In the realm of towering blooms, delphiniums truly stand out like a royal procession. I planted a few in my garden last year, and their stately spires and colors immediately added an air of elegance.
The blues and purples are so rich, they feel like whispers from the sky. Unlike foxgloves, delphiniums return year after year as perennials, which is a treat.
They thrive in cooler climates, making them perfect for gardens like mine that get a break from the heat. Every time they bloom, they add sophistication and a stunning splash of color.
5. Snapdragons
Imagine a flower bed where dragon-like blooms snap open with a touch of whimsy. Snapdragons are a delightful addition to any garden, offering a playful texture and vivid colors.
These beauties are not only charming but also quite hardy, making them a great alternative to foxgloves.
With a variety of hues from fiery reds to sunshine yellows, snapdragons can brighten any corner. They love the sun and aren’t shy about it, much like that friend who always craves the spotlight.
6. Digitalis grandiflora
In a world where names deceive, there’s a plant that mirrors the charm without the danger. Digitalis grandiflora is a foxglove relative that’s safer to handle.
These perennials can light up a shaded garden corner with their gentle glow. Unlike their more toxic cousins, they’re less risky to have around pets and children.
The elegance they bring is subtle yet captivating, making them an excellent substitute when looking for that foxglove vibe without the worry.
7. Coneflowers
Close your eyes and think of a sun-drenched meadow. Coneflowers perfectly capture that sunny essence. They’re drought-resistant, and come in a range of colors, from classic purples to oranges.
Not only do they provide height similar to foxgloves, but they also attract a host of pollinators, creating a lively ecosystem in your garden.
Coneflowers are the life of the party, always standing tall and inviting everyone to join in the fun.
8. Russian Sage
A plant that dances in the breeze like a whisper of lavender. Russian sage is a sight to behold, with its silvery foliage and lavender-blue flowers.
This plant offers a wispy grace and can thrive where foxgloves might sulk. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it perfect for more challenging garden spots.
The soft hues and airy structure bring a serene beauty, perfect for creating a soothing garden environment. Just imagine sipping your morning coffee amid this calming scene.
9. Speedwell
In the quiet corners of the garden, a plant hums with life. With its slender spires of blue and white, speedwell creates an understated elegance.
These compact blooms are incredibly versatile, bringing both height and depth to garden beds. Speedwells thrive in well-drained soil and are excellent companions to larger blooms.
If you’re seeking an alternative to foxgloves that’s both charming and durable, look no further. They’re the kind of plant that whispers, rather than shouts, their beauty to the world.
10. Bee Balm
The garden comes alive around bee balm, a plant that practically shouts, Look at me! I added a few to my garden, and their red and pink blooms instantly became a focal point.
Not only does bee balm add height like foxgloves, but it also attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, turning your garden into a buzzing paradise.
It thrives in moist soil, though it can be a bit aggressive. But with its undeniable charm, it’s a bold choice that brings color and movement to any garden. It’s a showstopper that never fails to impress!
11. Salvia
A plant that brings the colors of twilight to life. Salvias create a stunning visual in any garden with their deep blue and purple spikes.
These perennials are drought-tolerant, making them a practical alternative to foxgloves. They’re not just pretty faces; salvias are known for attracting beneficial insects, enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.
Imagine a garden where the colors of dusk never fade, and you’ve captured the essence of what salvias bring.
12. Joe Pye Weed
In the wild beauty of the garden, a plant stands tall, crowned with pink blooms. Joe Pye weed might sound like a villain, but it’s a hero in disguise.
This towering plant offers both height and color, making it a superb alternative to foxgloves. It thrives in moist soil and doesn’t shy away from taking center stage.
Butterflies adore it, creating a flurry of activity around its blooms. If drama with a touch of wildness is your garden style, Joe Pye weed is a perfect choice.
13. Acanthus
In the realm of architectural plants, one stands bold and stately. Acanthus commands attention with its glossy leaves and towering blooms.
These plants offer a structural elegance that makes them a great alternative to foxgloves. They thrive in a variety of conditions and bring a bit of ancient charm, reminiscent of classical gardens.
The interplay of leaves and flowers creates a majestic garden presence that’s hard to ignore.
14. Campanula
A gentle melody seems to ring through the air, carried by the bell-shaped blooms swaying in the breeze. Campanula offers a serene beauty.
These plants are versatile, growing well in various conditions and providing a soft alternative to the bold foxglove.
Their blooms come in shades of blue and white, evoking a peaceful garden atmosphere. Campanula is the plant for those who appreciate subtlety and elegance in their garden spaces.
15. Rudbeckia
A burst of sunshine seems to radiate from the garden whenever rudbeckia, or black-eyed Susans, bloom. I planted a few in my garden, and their yellow blooms instantly brought warmth to my space.
These cheerful plants offer a sunny alternative to foxgloves, brightening up even the gloomiest corners. They attract butterflies, making my garden feel full of life and joy.
For anyone looking for a low-maintenance plant that still makes a big impact, rudbeckia is the perfect choice. Their lively presence always brings a smile, making them a garden favorite.
16. Verbascum
Verbascum stands tall like a graceful antique, its golden spires bringing rustic charm to any garden. Thriving in sunny spots, these plants offer height and texture, much like foxgloves.
It’s resilience makes it a perfect alternative, adding both elegance and a touch of old-world flair to your garden.
If you’re after a plant that combines beauty with toughness, verbascum delivers a timeless display, effortlessly standing proud in your landscape.
17. Astilbe
A whisper of color dances through the shade, carried by feathery plumes. Astilbe thrives in less sunny spots.
These plants are a wonderful alternative to foxgloves, offering height and a touch of romance. Their blooms come in shades of pink and white, creating a soft tapestry of color.
Ideal for adding interest to shady garden corners, astilbe is the choice for those who love subtle yet striking beauty.
18. Echinacea
A garden alive with color and activity owes much to a certain plant. Echinacea commands attention.
These plants are hardy and drought-tolerant, making them a practical alternative to foxgloves. They attract pollinators, ensuring a lively garden atmosphere.
Echinacea is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet impactful plant that brings aura and life to garden spaces.
19. Yarrow
A sea of color unfolds, with clusters of small blooms swaying gently in the breeze. Yarrow offers a charming presence.
These plants are drought-resistant and easy to grow, making them a practical alternative to foxgloves. Yarrow attracts beneficial insects, enhancing your garden’s ecosystem.
Perfect for those who appreciate a low-maintenance plant that brings both beauty and ecological benefits.
20. Gladiolus
Gladiolus is like a garden diva, standing tall with its striking spikes of lively color. Perfect for adding vertical drama, these beauties thrive in the sun and are a breeze to grow.
Whether you’re looking to add a dash of bold hues or just love a bit of flair, gladiolus is your go-to. Much like foxgloves, they make a statement with ease and elegance.
If you’re craving a garden that pops with color and personality, gladiolus will steal the show and leave you in awe.
21. Goldenrod
Goldenrod is like the sun’s golden embrace in your garden, with its bright yellow clusters lighting up the landscape.
Not only does it offer a striking splash of color, but it’s also a pollinator magnet. Hardy and easy to care for, goldenrod makes a great foxglove alternative, adding height and charm to your garden.
If you’re dreaming of a meadow-like vibe that’s natural, goldenrod is the plant to make it happen. It’s perfect for gardeners looking to add a touch of sunshine to their outdoor space.
22. Amaranth
Amaranth is the garden’s showstopper, wearing royal-colored plumes that demand attention. With its tall stature and striking texture, it brings an exotic flair to your garden, unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Growing effortlessly, Amaranth is the perfect alternative to foxgloves, offering both height and bold beauty. For those who crave plants with personality, this one doesn’t just blend in. It stands out!
If you’re looking for something that pops and brings an unconventional twist to your garden, Amaranth is your perfect match.
23. Liatris
Liatris is the graceful dancer of the garden, its tall spikes adding vertical interest and elegance. Not only does it bring beauty, but it’s also drought-tolerant, making it a practical choice for dry spots.
A perfect alternative to foxgloves. Liatris attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, giving your garden a buzzing vibe.
For gardeners who want a plant that does more than just look pretty, Liatris offers both stunning visual appeal and a helping hand to your garden’s ecosystem.
24. Oxeye Daisy
A meadow filled with oxeye daisies instantly brings a timeless beauty to any garden. I planted a few last spring, and their classic white petals with yellow centers never fail to bring a smile.
These easy-to-grow plants offer a lovely alternative to foxgloves. Plus, they attract beneficial insects, helping keep the garden healthy and thriving.
If you’re looking for a simple yet joyful addition to your garden, oxeye daisies are the perfect choice. Their blooms always brighten the space and bring a sense of peace and happiness.
25. Canna
In the world of bold garden statements, canna plants wave their flag of color. With their tropical blooms, they demand attention, leaving foxgloves feeling a little shy.
Canna thrives in sunny spots and brings a splash of the exotic, perfect for anyone looking to add some flair.
Whether you’re after a garden that’s colorful or just want to feel like you’re on a mini-vacation every time you step outside, canna’s tropical vibe will transport you to paradise.
26. Poppies
A field of poppies is like nature’s confetti, bursting with color and joy. Their bright red and orange blooms create an instant lively scene, giving foxgloves a run for their money.
Poppies are a breeze to grow, making them a low-maintenance alternative. Not only do they brighten your garden, but they also attract beneficial insects, helping your garden thrive.
If you’re after a dash of wild beauty and a pop of color, poppies are the perfect choice. Get ready for a garden that feels as lively as a summer festival!