Spanish Foxglove
digitalis thapsi
Also known as: ["Spanish Digitalis","Woolly Foxglove"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its tubular flowers and toxic properties.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Digitalis |
| Botanical Name: | Digitalis thapsi |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed in a sunny spot, or container with good drainage
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; can tolerate poor soils but thrives with some enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates light shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; ensure adequate air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateModerate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade during peak heat; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of garden soil, sand, and compost; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure good aeration.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); can tolerate mild frosts but avoid prolonged freezing.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage growth; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy; water before applying fertilizer.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of clumps; seeds can also be used but may result in variable traits.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite, peat moss, and sand; or cactus/succulent potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth may appear in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back to a healthy leaf or bud; remove any weak or crossing stems.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape; thin overcrowded stems for better air circulation.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased parts; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure it is not excessively large.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for rejuvenation and growth.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), wilting, bud drop, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; roots can rot in waterlogged soil.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; ensure well-draining soil; avoid overwatering during cold periods.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or dormancy in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
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 spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the cardiac glycosides in Digitalis thapsi. Even small amounts can cause severe cardiac dysfunction, leading to arrhythmias, heart failure, and death. The toxicity is rapid and can be fatal without prompt treatment.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Digitalis thapsi can cause severe cardiac toxicity due to the presence of cardiac glycosides. These compounds disrupt normal heart function, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias and potentially fatal outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicDigitalis thapsi contains cardiac glycosides, primarily digoxin and digitoxin, which interfere with the sodium-potassium pump in cardiac muscle cells, leading to severe cardiac arrhythmias and potentially fatal outcomes. The plant's effects are dose-dependent and can be cumulative.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Digitalis thapsi toxic to humans?
A: Yes, Digitalis thapsi is highly toxic to humans if ingested.
Q: Does Digitalis thapsi attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Digitalis thapsi?
A: It requires moderate care, including well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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