Yellow Foxglove

digitalis grandiflora

Also known as: ["Foxglove","Yellow Bell","Giant Foxglove"]

Family: Plantaginaceae Genus: Digitalis Category: Flowers

Overview

A biennial herbaceous plant known for its tall spikes of large, bell-shaped yellow flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Digitalis
Botanical Name: Digitalis grandiflora

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with partial afternoon shade
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or as needed to remove dead/damaged growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade (4–6 hours of morning sun or dappled light). Avoid intense afternoon sun, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to outdoor light if moving from indoors. Protect from harsh midday sun to prevent scorching. In hot climates, provide shade during peak sun hours.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade; rotate pot for even growth.

Watering

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

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, and avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-drained, fertile, loamy soil

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

Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cooler spring/autumn conditions but avoids extreme heat or frost.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; keep away from heat sources.

Fertilizing

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

Fertilize sparingly to avoid overfeeding; stop in winter; apply after watering.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of clumps in spring.

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

Best Time: Early spring when new growth begins.

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 develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

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

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems to promote bushiness.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain plant shape.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Remove dead flowers; trim damaged stems; clean tools before use.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Use fresh soil; ensure drainage; handle roots gently; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to deliver water precisely to the root zone without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 7–10 days in spring/summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall/winter. Adjust based on rainfall and temperature.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or death if below freezing.

Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth or move containers indoors. Mulch around the base to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

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

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering, and ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid foliage contact.

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Digitalis grandiflora may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or could be a sign of stress from overwatering, poor drainage, or pest infestations.

Wilting in Digitalis grandiflora is often caused by water stress, either due to under or overwatering, or root damage from root rot, leading to reduced water uptake.

Leaf spots on Digitalis grandiflora may be caused by fungal pathogens such as Alternaria or Cercospora, leading to defoliation and reduced photosynthetic capacity if severe.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can affect Digitalis grandiflora when grown in poorly drained soil, leading to decay of the root system and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Digitalis grandiflora, which can cause severe cardiac dysfunction, including arrhythmias and heart failure. Even small amounts can be dangerous.

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

if eaten

Keep plants out of reach of cats. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is critical for survival.
Dogs
Toxic

The cardiac glycosides in Digitalis grandiflora can cause severe cardiac toxicity in dogs, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias, heart failure, and death. Symptoms can develop rapidly after ingestion.

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

if eaten

Keep plants away from dogs. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary care immediately. Do not induce vomiting without professional advice.
Humans
Toxic

Digitalis grandiflora contains cardiac glycosides, which disrupt the electrical activity of the heart, leading to potentially fatal arrhythmias and other cardiovascular disturbances. The plant's effects are dose-dependent and can be cumulative.

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

if eaten

Keep out of reach of children. Ingestion requires immediate medical attention. Do not use for medicinal purposes 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 grandiflora toxic to humans?

A: Yes, all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested.

Q: How tall does Digitalis grandiflora grow?

A: It typically grows to 3–5 feet in height.

Q: Does Digitalis grandiflora attract pollinators?

A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

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