Common foxglove - Digitalis purpurea (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images, Toxic)

Common foxglove

Also known as: Bloody Bells, Dragon's Mouth, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Thimbles, Fairy's Petticoat, Fox Finger, Lady's Fingers, Lion's Mouth, Lustmore, Thimble Flower, Witches' Bells, Witches' Thimble, Folks Glove, Purple foxglove, Virgin's glove

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a herbaceous flowering plant naturally found in forests, heaths, and mountain grasslands. Common foxglove produces clusters of purple to white tubular flowers, with numerous dark spots on the inner surface. They are very attractive and commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes.

Scientific classification

Species

Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Biennial, Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

60 cm to 2 m

Plant Height

10 cm to 50 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

3 cm to 4.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Pink, Purple, White, Yellow, Cream, Red

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Common foxglove

Distribution of Common foxglove

Distribution Map

The common foxglove plant is native to temperate regions in Europe. It was introduced to other countries in Asia and Europe and the Americasbut. It is considered an invasive species in several US states. In its original distribution range, it grows in fields, meadows, and other disturbed areas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Acid soils in woods, heaths, mountain grasslands

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Common foxglove is sometimes planted in gardens as an ornamental due to its pink, purple, and white petals. It does well in the beds and borders of city, coastal, and cottage gardens. Plants such as Sage, Plume thistle, and Lilac cranesbill make good companion plants for the common foxglove.

Symbolism

Lies, dishonesty, pride, productivity, cooperation, creativity

Name Story

Common foxglove: It was derived from the medieval English, fox-glove. It was first known by the Angle-Saxon name foxes glofa which means the glove of the fox because the flowers look like the fingers with the gloves on. As it is the most common species in the genus, it is called common foxglove.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Common foxglove, including the following common varieties :

Common foxglove 'Camelot White'Common foxglove 'Sutton's Apricot'Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Purple'Common foxglove 'Camelot Rose'Common foxglove 'Polkadot Princess'Common foxglove 'Candy Mountain'Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Peach'Common foxglove 'Dalmatian Creme'Digitalis 'Pink Panther'Common foxglove 'Excelsior Group'Common foxglove 'Pam's Choice'Common foxglove 'Dalmatian White'Common foxglove 'Camelot Lavender'

Toxicity

All parts of common foxglove are severely toxic to humans, cats, and dogs when ingested. Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, tremors, and cardiac issues. Accidental consumption can be fatal. Even water from a cut plant's vase can be poisonous. Highly dangerous, common foxglove is sometimes found in gardens and floral arrangements, posing a risk of heart failure.

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Quickly Identify Common foxglove

Large nodding flowers in 1-sided raceme, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long.

Distinctive bell-shaped corollas with white throats and purplish accents.

Rounded capsules, 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm), shedding textured brown seeds.

Basal rosette leaves, up to 1 foot (30 cm) long, with wooly underside.

Dramatic terminal raceme towering at 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) with large flowers.

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Care Guide for Common foxglove

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Common foxglove thrives in moist conditions typical of temperate woodlands. It requires consistent moisture, with watering twice a week for optimal hydration. As an herbaceous perennial, common foxglove benefits from outdoor growth and natural rainfall during its active growing season.

Fertilize: Fertilize common foxglove with high-phosphorus fertilizer in early spring and when flower spikes appear, using no more than 1/2 teaspoon per plant. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent harm. Water common foxglove thoroughly post-application to enhance nutrient absorption and prevent root burn.

Pruning: Common foxglove showcases tall spires of tubular flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Prune in early to late spring by removing spent flower stalks and damaged foliage to promote vigor and aesthetics. This timing aligns with spring growth, enhancing blooms. Consult horticulture guides for specific pruning techniques.

Propagation: Common foxglove propagation is best achieved by sowing seeds in well-draining soil under stable moisture and temperature. Seedlings require careful handling during transplanting to avoid root damage, and proper spacing is crucial for their optimal growth.

Repotting: Common foxglove requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive, preventing root rot and ensuring healthy growth. Proper drainage can be achieved through suitable pot material and a well-aerated soil mix.

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Images of Common foxglove

Distribution of Common foxglove

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Common foxglove

Care Guide for Common foxglove

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