Purple False Foxglove

agalinis purpurea

Also known as: ["Purple Gerardia","False Foxglove"]

Family: Orobanchaceae Genus: Agalinis Category: Flowers

Overview

A herbaceous annual or biennial plant in the Orobanchaceae family, known for its slender stems and tubular purple flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Orobanchaceae
Genus: Agalinis
Botanical Name: Agalinis purpurea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: open, sunny meadows or garden beds with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done as needed; major pruning in early spring before new growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for health or shape.
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 intense sunlight; protect from direct midday sun to avoid scorching; adjust light exposure based on indoor/outdoor placement.

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

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer hours.

Watering

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

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

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter

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

Use a mix of cactus soil and perlite; avoid overwatering to maintain soil structure; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Prefers moderate temperatures between 65–75°F (18–24°C); can tolerate mild fluctuations but avoid extreme heat or cold.

Monitor temperature changes; use a thermometer; adjust care based on seasonal shifts.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Fertilize sparingly to prevent salt buildup; apply after watering to avoid root burn; stop in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

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

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C).

Medium

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

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots typically develop in 3–6 weeks; establishment may take 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

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

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Use clean cuts just above a leaf node or bud; remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged parts; shape as desired; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

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

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

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

Checklist

Prepare new pot; trim roots if crowded; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

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.

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

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

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; scorching or leaf burn in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or dormancy.

Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors during cold spells; ensure adequate insulation around roots.

Hot Stress

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

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Agalinis purpurea may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Agalinis purpurea can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, impacting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death.

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

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Agalinis purpurea if the soil is waterlogged, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Agalinis purpurea is not known to be toxic to cats under normal circumstances.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Agalinis purpurea is not known to be toxic to dogs under normal circumstances.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Agalinis purpurea is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans under normal circumstances.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No specific safety precautions are required for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Agalinis purpurea toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Q: How do I care for Agalinis purpurea?

A: It requires moderate care, including well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

Q: Does Agalinis purpurea attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

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