It depends on the specific variety. The most popular species, the Digitalis purpurea, is a biennial with a short lifespan. The plant only flowers in its second year, after which it dies. However, this is a self-seeding plant, so if you don’t deadhead the spent flowers and allow seeds to fall you will not have to plant new foxgloves the following year. Meanwhile, Digitalis grandiflora is a perennial that will enjoy a long lifespan with proper care.