Rusty Foxglove

digitalis ferruginea

Also known as: ["Rusty Foxglove","Ferruginous Foxglove"]

Family: Plantaginaceae Genus: Digitalis Category: Flowers

Overview

A biennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its tall spikes of rusty-brown 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 ferruginea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Well-draining to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged soil.
  • Soil Type: Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; light pruning can be done in early spring.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or spent flower stalks and leggy stems.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; provide shade during peak afternoon heat; protect from scorching in hot climates.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; rotate pots for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-drained, fertile, slightly alkaline soil

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

Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are more reliable for home growers.

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

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also use a peat-based mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

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

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.

Tools

Pruning shears, gloves, clean cutting tool.

Checklist

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

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; 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 early in the morning to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

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, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; susceptible to frost damage.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid placing near cold drafts; mulch to insulate roots.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.

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

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; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early summer).

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Digitalis ferruginea may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or could be a response to environmental stressors like overwatering, poor drainage, or pest infestations.

Wilting in Digitalis ferruginea is often a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient watering or root damage from overwatering or root rot. It can also result from severe pest infestations or disease.

Leaf spots on Digitalis ferruginea may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis, leaf necrosis, and premature leaf drop. Common pathogens include Alternaria and Cercospora species.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Digitalis ferruginea due to excessive moisture, poor soil drainage, or fungal infections. This can lead to plant decline and death if not addressed promptly.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Digitalis ferruginea, which can cause severe cardiac toxicity, including arrhythmias, heart block, and potentially fatal cardiac arrest. The effects can be rapid and life-threatening.

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

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Time is critical in treating digitalis poisoning.
Dogs
Toxic

The cardiac glycosides in Digitalis ferruginea can cause severe cardiac dysfunction in dogs, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias, heart failure, and electrolyte disturbances. The toxicity is dose-dependent and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

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

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting without professional advice.
Humans
Toxic

Digitalis ferruginea contains cardiac glycosides, primarily digoxin and digitoxin, which disrupt the electrical activity of the heart, leading to potentially fatal arrhythmias and electrolyte imbalances. 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. In case of ingestion, seek 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 ferruginea toxic to humans?

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

Q: Does Digitalis ferruginea attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How difficult is it to grow Digitalis ferruginea?

A: It has moderate care difficulty and requires average maintenance.

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

Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!

Google Play App Store
Share This Plant

Related Plants

Globularia
View
American speedwell
View
European Brooklime
View
Longleaf speedwell
View