Tall, elegant spires of flowers are a beautiful sight. They draw the eye upward and add a striking, graceful form to any space. While the foxglove is a favourite for this kind of dramatic presence, its reputation often gives pause, prompting many to look for other flowers that look like foxglove.
But what if you adore that tall, spiky look and wish for more options? Or what if you are simply looking for a wonderful flower with similar charm and grace?
This guide is for you. We'll explore five beautiful flowers that share the foxglove's stunning vertical aesthetic, each with its own unique personality. We'll also provide a simple guide to telling them apart, because when it comes to bringing nature's beauty indoors, a bit of knowledge makes all the difference.
1. Delphiniums
If you want a flower spike that commands attention, look no further than the delphinium. These perennials are known for their spectacular, rigid flower spikes that can reach over 10 feet tall! They come in a breathtaking range of colours, from true blues and purples to pinks, whites, and even scarlet.
Delphinium flowers symbolise an open heart, levity, and a readiness for new experiences, often used to communicate encouragement and joy. Their meaning also shifts with their hue, as blue represents trust and dignity, pink signifies love or romance, and purple denotes nobility.
How to Tell Them Apart from Foxglove:
- Flowers: Delphinium flowers are not bell-shaped like foxgloves. Instead, they are more open and have a small, distinctive central structure called a "bee."
- Leaves: Their leaves are deeply lobed and often palmate, a stark contrast to the simple, downy leaves of a foxglove.
- Lifespan: Delphiniums are true perennials, blooming year after year.
- Safety: Delphiniums are also toxic, posing a risk if ingested by humans or grazing animals.
2. Lupines
Lupines are a favourite for creating a dense, colourful spike of flowers. A member of the pea family, they are instantly recognisable by their striking, palmate leaves, which look like a hand with leaflets radiating from a central point. The pea-like flowers are clustered on a dense spike in a beautiful array of blues, purples, pinks, and yellows.
Lupine flowers symbolise imagination, admiration, and the inner strength required to recover from trauma and hardship. As one of the first plants to bloom in devastated landscapes, they are a powerful emblem of renewal and the ability to create new life.
How to Tell Them Apart from Foxglove:
- Foliage: The palmate leaves are a dead giveaway and the most reliable way to tell them apart from foxglove's simple leaves.
- Flowers: The individual flowers are pea-like, not bell-shaped.
- Toxicity: The seeds and pods are the most poisonous parts of the plant.
3. Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks are a cottage garden staple that produces towering spikes of blooms, often reaching heights of 9 feet. They are biennials or short-lived perennials that readily self-seed, creating a timeless and charming display.
Due to its prolific seed production and tall, statuesque form, the hollyhock flower symbolises fertility, new beginnings, ambition, and growth. The name itself, derived from "holy" and "mallow," hints at its historical connections to healing and spiritual significance.
How to Tell Them Apart from Foxglove:
- Flowers: Hollyhock flowers are their most distinct feature. They are large, open, and crinkle-petaled, not tubular and pendent like foxglove. They come in a wide variety of colours.
- Leaves: The leaves are large and heart-shaped with several distinct lobes.
- Toxicity: Unlike foxglove and the others on this list, hollyhocks are listed as non-toxic to humans and pets!
4. Great Mullein
Great mullein is a common weed that is often mistaken for foxglove, particularly in its first year of growth. It shares foxglove's biennial lifecycle, forming a basal rosette of leaves before sending up a tall, rigid flower stalk.
The Great Mullein flower symbolises courage, strength, and light, representing the resilience needed to overcome great obstacles. In folklore, it is strongly associated with spiritual protection, serving as a powerful ward against evil spirits and misfortune in historical rituals.
How to Tell Them Apart from Foxglove:
- Foliage: The leaves are the key. While both are hairy, mullein leaves are exceptionally soft, woolly, and have no serrated edges, earning them the nickname "flannel plant." Foxglove leaves, by contrast, are downy and have a subtly serrated edge.
- Flowers: If you see a flower, there's no confusion. Mullein's flowers are small, yellow, and tightly clustered around the stalk, completely different from foxglove's large bells.
5. Monkshood
Monkshood, also known as wolfsbane, is a stunning perennial with striking blue-violet flowers. It is grown as an ornamental plant, but its extreme toxicity places it in a category of its own.
Due to its extreme toxicity, the Monkshood flower carries a primary meaning of caution, danger, and the presence of a deadly foe. However, its helmet-shaped blossoms and use in folklore also lend it symbolism of chivalry and protection, representing the fine line between healing and death.
How to Tell Them Apart from Foxglove:
- Flowers: The flowers are a definitive differentiator. Monkshood blooms are distinctively helmet-shaped, resembling the hood of a monk's cape.
- Toxicity: Monkshood is considered one of the most poisonous plants in the world. Its toxin can be absorbed through abraded skin, so extreme caution and gloves are a must when handling it.
A Gardener's Guide to Choosing Your Bloom
Given the potential for misidentification, a little knowledge goes a long way in confidently selecting your perfect flower.
- Know Your Bloom's Journey: Remember that a flower's appearance can shift dramatically from its leafy beginnings to its full, flowering glory. A little patience and observation can reveal its true identity.
- Focus on the Finer Details: The secret to telling these flowers apart lies in their unique leaves and individual flower shapes. A moment spent observing these features will tell you everything you need to know.
- When in Doubt, Select a Safe Alternative: If you are not completely certain of a flower's identity, especially when gifting, it's always a thoughtful choice to opt for a non-toxic alternative like the hollyhock to ensure complete peace of mind.
- Embrace the Perfect Match: By understanding the characteristics of each bloom, you can confidently select the perfect spire-shaped flower for any bouquet or arrangement, creating a gift that is both stunning and safe.
Conclusion About Flowers That Look Like Foxglove
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the variety and beauty of these stunning, spire-shaped flowers. The simple act of sharing flowers is a heartfelt gesture, and finding the perfect bloom adds a deeper layer of care and meaning.
At The Daily Blooms, we believe every gift tells a story. We offer a wide variety of floral gifts, including our stunning bloom box and elegant vase arrangements.
You can also find the best flower delivery gift for any occasion, from birthdays and anniversaries to get well soon and graduation events. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact us on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flowers That Look Like Foxglove
What Flowers Look Like Foxglove?
Delphiniums, lupines, hollyhocks, great mullein, and monkshood all share a similar tall, spiky appearance. While they have a comparable shape, their individual flowers and leaves are unique.
Are All These Flowers Toxic?
Not all of them are. Hollyhocks and Great Mullein are listed as non-toxic, making them a safe choice for gardens and arrangements.
Can I Use These Flowers In A Bouquet?
Yes, you can. Delphiniums and Lupines are popular choices for arrangements, but always handle them with care due to their toxicity.
What Is The Difference Between A Biennial And A Perennial?
A perennial blooms every year and returns on its own, while a biennial grows in its first year and flowers in its second before dying off.
Is Monkshood Really That Dangerous?
Yes, Monkshood is considered extremely poisonous, with toxins that can be absorbed through the skin. It should be handled with extreme caution.
What Are The Easiest Ways To Identify Them?
The leaves and individual flower shapes are the most reliable indicators. Hollyhocks have open, crinkly-petaled flowers, while Lupines have distinctive palmate leaves
Where Can I Find These Flowers?
You can find them at many local nurseries and florists. The Daily Blooms offers a wide selection of beautiful flowers perfect for any gift.
