Foxglove
digitalis purpurea
Also known as: ["Common Foxglove","Witch's Bells"]
Overview
A biennial herbaceous plant known for its tall spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers, typically purple but also found in white, pink, or yellow varieties.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Digitalis |
| Botanical Name: | Digitalis purpurea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in a location sheltered from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); protect from intense afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to sunlight; avoid direct scorching; place in dappled shade during peak heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade in afternoon; rotate pot for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
Soil
fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); prefers cooler nights.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain consistent temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid over-fertilization; stop in late summer to prepare for dormancy.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; stem cuttings can also be used.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly.
- Keep moist.
- Transplant when seedlings are established.
- Take cuttings, apply hormone, and place in medium.
Best Time: Spring or early summer for seeds; late spring for cuttings.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light for cuttings; cool temperatures for seeds.
Medium
Seed starting mix or well-draining soil for cuttings.
Hormone
Not necessary for seeds; rooting hormone can aid cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds germinate in 2–4 weeks; cuttings root in 4–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, rooting hormone, pruning shears, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in groups; use bottom heat for faster germination; keep cuttings humid.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Wear gloves; sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh soil with good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; Digitalis purpurea is often biennial and may not need repotting.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection; move indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Digitalis purpurea. Ingestion can result in severe cardiac dysfunction, including arrhythmias and heart failure, which can be rapidly fatal.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Digitalis purpurea can cause severe cardiac toxicity due to the cardiac glycosides present. These compounds disrupt normal heart function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias and heart failure.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDigitalis purpurea contains cardiac glycosides, primarily digoxin and digitoxin, which interfere with the sodium-potassium pump in cardiac cells, leading to severe cardiac arrhythmias and potentially fatal heart failure. The effects are dose-dependent and can be cumulative.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Digitalis purpurea toxic to humans?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, containing cardiac glycosides that can cause severe poisoning.
Q: How should I care for Foxglove plants?
A: Plant in partial shade with well-drained soil; water regularly but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Q: Does Foxglove attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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