Sandy Foxglove

digitalis obscura

Also known as: ["Sandy Foxglove","Spanish Foxglove"]

Family: Plantaginaceae Genus: Digitalis Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to the Iberian Peninsula, known for its striking orange-red flowers and toxic properties.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock garden or sunny border
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate the plant.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but thrives in bright conditions.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to full sun to prevent scorching. In hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. Indoors, place near a south-facing window.

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

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Full sun is ideal; avoid deep shade; rotate pot for even growth; protect from intense midday sun in arid regions.

Watering

every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries out between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf rot.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

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

Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for nutrients.

Temperature

Prefers mild temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C). Tolerates cooler temperatures but is sensitive to frost.

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; provide shade in intense summer heat.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Fertilize only during growing season; dilute fertilizer to prevent root burn; avoid over-fertilization.

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 propagation medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

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

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light and consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 4–6 weeks; new growth may take 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use sterile tools; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; ensure bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut back stems to a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

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

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or crossing branches; shape the plant evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove the plant gently; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water sparingly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting the foliage. Water until it drains from the bottom but never let the plant sit in water.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a long spout to deliver water directly to the soil, minimizing contact with leaves.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly during spring and fall, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter to mimic its native Mediterranean climate, and increase slightly in summer but avoid waterlogging.

Soil Improvement

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

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or death if exposed to frost.

Solution: Protect from frost with a frost cloth or move to a sheltered location. Ensure good drainage to prevent cold, waterlogged soil.

Hot Stress

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

Solution: Provide some afternoon shade in extreme heat; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Digitalis obscura may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Digitalis obscura can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to impaired nutrient uptake and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Digitalis obscura may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Digitalis obscura if the soil is excessively moist, leading to decay of root tissues and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Digitalis obscura poses a significant toxic risk to cats, primarily due to its cardiac glycoside content. Cats are highly sensitive to these compounds, which can cause severe cardiac and neurological effects, potentially leading to fatal outcomes if not treated promptly.

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

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. If ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian immediately. Prompt treatment is critical to mitigate severe health consequences.
Dogs
Toxic

Digitalis obscura is highly toxic to dogs due to its cardiac glycoside content. Ingestion can lead to severe cardiac dysfunction, including arrhythmias, heart failure, and potentially death. The toxins disrupt normal heart function and can cause systemic toxicity.

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

if eaten

Keep dogs away from the plant. If ingestion is suspected, seek immediate veterinary attention. Do not induce vomiting without professional guidance.
Humans
Toxic

Digitalis obscura contains cardiac glycosides, which interfere with ion transport in heart cells, leading to potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias and other systemic effects. The plant's toxic compounds can cause severe physiological disturbances, particularly affecting the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

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

if eaten

Strictly avoid ingestion. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Wear gloves when handling to prevent accidental ingestion or skin contact with mucous membranes.
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 obscura safe for pets?

A: No, it is highly toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Digitalis obscura?

A: It thrives in well-drained, sandy soils and full sun to partial shade.

Q: Does Digitalis obscura attract wildlife?

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

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