Yellow Foxglove

digitalis lutea

Also known as: ["Small Foxglove","Yellow Lady's Glove"]

Family: Plantaginaceae Genus: Digitalis Category: Flowers

Overview

A biennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, known for its tall spikes of small, pale yellow flowers.

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 lutea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed with partial shade, especially in hotter climates
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning after flowering; occasional shaping as needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Place in filtered light during peak summer hours. Indoors, position near an east or north-facing window.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Avoid intense afternoon sun; rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter strong light.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral loam

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid heavy clay soils; maintain consistent moisture.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler spring and fall conditions.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly to avoid leafy growth at the expense of flowers; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed propagation.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in moist medium.
  5. Keep humid and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establishment can take several months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to promote reblooming.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or damaged growth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent standing water.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting the leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately during spring and summer, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in fall and winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf damage or dieback, especially if combined with wet soil.

Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth or move containers indoors. Ensure soil is not overly wet to prevent cold root damage.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to keep roots cool.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Digitalis lutea may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, which can impair photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Digitalis lutea is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering, which can lead to root damage and reduced nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Digitalis lutea are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, which can compromise leaf function and lead to premature leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Digitalis lutea due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and potential death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Digitalis lutea poses a significant toxic risk to cats, with cardiac glycosides causing severe cardiac effects such as arrhythmias, bradycardia, and heart failure. Cats are particularly sensitive to these compounds, and ingestion can be life-threatening.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting drooling lethargy weakness difficulty breathing irregular heartbeat collapse tremors
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Ensure cats cannot access Digitalis lutea. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Time is critical in treating cardiac glycoside poisoning.
Dogs
Toxic

Digitalis lutea is highly toxic to dogs due to its cardiac glycoside content, which can cause severe cardiac dysfunction, including arrhythmias, heart block, and potentially fatal cardiac arrest. Symptoms can appear rapidly after ingestion.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy weakness collapse difficulty breathing irregular heartbeat pale gums
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from dogs. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Humans
Toxic

Digitalis lutea contains cardiac glycosides, which interfere with the heart's electrical activity, leading to potentially fatal arrhythmias and other cardiovascular disturbances. The plant's effects are dose-dependent and can be severe even with small ingestions.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting abdominal pain headache dizziness visual disturbances irregular heartbeat weakness confusion
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves flowers seeds roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children. In case of ingestion, seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Digitalis lutea toxic to humans?

A: Yes, it is highly toxic to humans if ingested.

Q: How tall does Digitalis lutea grow?

A: It typically grows to 1–1.5 meters in height.

Q: Does Digitalis lutea attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.

Quick Reference
Family: Plantaginaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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