Digitalis purpurea aka Foxglove

Taxonomy

Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as the foxglove, is a species of flowering plant that is native to most of temperate Europe and has also naturalized in parts of North America and other temperate regions. This eye-catching plant can be a popular addition to gardens, with many cultivars available. However, it is important to note that foxgloves are among the most poisonous plants commonly grown in home landscapes, and should not be grown if small children or pets will be spending time in the area. Foxgloves are tall, slender plants with tubular blooms that range in color from purple to white. They are often freckled and form on a spike, with nodding flowers. Foxglove is a biennial plant that grows as a rosette of leaves in the first year after sowing, before flowering and then dying in the second year. However, it generally produces enough seeds for new plants to continue growing in a garden setting. The Digitalis genus includes about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and biennials commonly called foxgloves. The plant is the original source of the heart medicine digoxin (also called digitalis or digitalin). Foxglove prefers moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter and does best with afternoon shade. It is important to note that foxgloves are toxic and should not be ingested.

Common names

Foxglove, Digitalis, Purple Foxglove, Common Foxglove, Lady's Glove

How to care for Foxglove

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Foxglove, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Foxglove should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Foxglove loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Foxglove requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Digitalis is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Foxglove plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Foxglove should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

The Foxglove is characterized by clumping growth, with new shoots emerging from the soil around the primary plant.

Region of origin

Foxglove’s native range is Western Europe, including Britain, from Norway to Spain and Sardinia.


More info:
Wikipedia