Chinese Foxglove Rehmannia Walberton's Magic Dragon = 'Walremadra' (PBR)
ABOUT
Rehmannia Walberton's Magic Dragon, commonly known as Chinese Foxglove, features a striking appearance with a cascade of tubular, bell-shaped flowers that have an enchanting look. The blossoms come in a vibrant pink hue with a soft, peachy yellow throat. The petals of each flower are slightly ruffled at the edges, adding to their charm and distinctiveness. These captivating flowers bloom profusely on the plant, creating a beautiful display that is hard to miss. The leaves of the Chinese Foxglove are equally attractive, comprised of lush, green foliage. These leaves have a slightly fuzzy texture and are oval-shaped with a tendency to form a neat, low mound. The contrast between the rich green of the leaves and the pink warming to yellow tones of the flowers creates an appealing visual delight. Overall, the Chinese Foxglove's appearance is synonymous with its enchanting name, offering a magical touch to any garden space where it's planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Chinese Foxglove, Rehmannia
Common names
Rehmannia 'Walremadra'
ToxicityTo humans
Chinese foxglove (Rehmannia Walberton's Magic Dragon) is not widely known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could exist. It is generally recommended to avoid ingesting plants that are not known to be edible, as they might cause gastrointestinal discomfort or more serious side effects for some individuals. If any part of this plant is ingested and adverse symptoms are experienced, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
To pets
Chinese foxglove is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. However, pets can sometimes have different sensitivities compared to humans, and it is generally suggested to prevent pets from ingesting plants not meant for consumption. If a pet ingests Chinese foxglove and shows signs of illness, it would be prudent to consult a veterinarian. Potential symptoms of plant toxicity in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, or more serious conditions depending on the specific plant toxin and the amount ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Rehmannia Walberton's Magic Dragon can withstand periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the plant are known to attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a long flowering season from late spring to early fall, offering prolonged aesthetic appeal.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil.
- Low Maintenance: Rehmannia Walberton’s Magic Dragon requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for those who want a beautiful garden without a lot of work.
- Unique Flower Color: It features unique pink to purple flowers, which can add a striking and uncommon color to garden landscapes.
- Versatility in Landscape Design: The plant can be used in a variety of garden designs, including borders, containers, and as an accent plant.
- Garden Focal Point: Its eye-catching flowers and robust growth habit can make it a focal point in the garden, adding visual interest.
- Fast Growth: This plant tends to grow quickly, filling in garden spaces and creating lush landscaping in a short period of time.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it will come back year after year, providing consistency in the garden’s design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Flowers: The flowers of Rehmannia, sometimes called Chinese Foxglove, can be used as edible garnishes or ingredients in salads, bringing a mild and slightly sweet taste.
- Natural Dye: The rich color of Rehmannia's flowers can be used to make a natural dye for fabric, paper, or other crafts.
- Art and Photography: The unique appearance of Rehmannia's blooms with their striking color and dragon-like shape makes them a compelling subject for botanical illustration, painting, and photography.
- Floral Arrangements: Rehmannia can be used in cut floral arrangements for its showy flowers, providing a touch of elegance and vibrancy to bouquets.
- Teaching Plant Anatomy: Due to its distinct floral structure, Rehmannia can be used as a teaching specimen in botany classes focusing on plant morphology and reproductive systems.
- Ecosystem Support: Rehmannia can provide nectar for bees and other pollinating insects, acting as a beneficial component in a garden's ecosystem.
- Culinary Syrup: The flowers of Rehmannia could be steeped in a sugar solution to create a floral syrup, which can be used to flavor beverages or desserts.
- Garden Aesthetics: With its lush foliage and beautiful flowers, Rehmannia can be used in garden design for its aesthetic contribution, adding lushness to green spaces.
- Education on Plant Propagation: Rehmannia can serve as an educational example of plant propagation techniques, such as division or stem cutting.
- Thematic Gardens: Rehmannia can be a fitting addition to a dragon-themed garden, inspiring creativity in landscaping with its 'Magic Dragon' reference.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Chinese Foxglove is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chinese Foxglove is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing and Restoration: Rehmannia, commonly known as Chinese Foxglove, has a history in traditional Chinese medicine for its healing properties, symbolizing bodily healing and the restoration of balance.
- Vitality and Longevity: As a plant that is associated with traditional remedies, it is also often associated with long life and sustaining vitality, reflecting the belief that it can help maintain good health.
- Adaptability: Rehmannia thrives in various growing conditions, which can be seen symbolically as the ability to adapt and flourish in diverse environments and situations.
- Mystical Knowledge: Given the unusual name 'Magic Dragon', which connects the plant to mystical creatures, it may symbolize a gateway to hidden or mystical knowledge, in line with the enchanting and otherworldly notion of dragons.
WaterThe Chinese Foxglove should be watered deeply to ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged, typically once a week. During hot and dry spells, increase the frequency to twice a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering for an average-sized plant. Reduce watering in winter to prevent root rot. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it feels dry, it’s time to water again.
LightThe Chinese Foxglove thrives in partial shade to full sun, but in hotter regions, it prefers some afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat. A spot that receives morning sunlight and dappled afternoon light is ideal, ensuring bright conditions without the risk of scorching the foliage.
TemperatureThe Chinese Foxglove does well in a moderate temperature range and can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 30°F. It is comfortable in temperatures up to 90°F, but the ideal temperature range for thriving growth is between 60°F to 75°F. Extreme temperatures on both ends can stress the plant, so protection from frost and excessive heat is important.
PruningPruning the Chinese Foxglove is essential to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming. It's best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Deadheading regularly throughout the blooming season helps promote more flowers and prevents self-seeding if not desired.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChinese Foxglove thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil mix with organic matter. The ideal pH range for this plant is between 5.5 and 7. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
RepottingChinese Foxglove should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container. This stimulates growth and provides fresh nutrients available for the roots.
Humidity & MistingChinese Foxglove prefers a moderately humid environment. Aim for a humidity level of 40-60% to maintain healthy growth and prevent stress on the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleRehmannia 'Walremadra', commonly known as Walberton’s Magic Dragon, begins its life cycle as a dormant tuber or seed, which, upon encountering favorable spring conditions, germinates or activates. During the growth phase, the plant develops a rosette of leaves and rapidly elongates its stems, preparing for the flowering stage. The flowering stage occurs in late spring to early summer, during which the plant produces large, tubular, purple-pink flowers attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed, with the fruits gradually drying and releasing seeds for dispersal. If conditions are not suitable for seeding, the plant may enter a period of vegetative growth, possibly producing offsets or new tubers. As winter approaches, the Rehmannia 'Walremadra' goes into dormancy, with the aerial parts dying back and the plant surviving underground until the next favorable growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Rehmannia Walberton's Magic Dragon, commonly known as Chinese Foxglove, is best propagated through division. The ideal time for propagating this plant is in the spring when the plant is emerging from dormancy and the weather begins to warm. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy amount of roots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were previously growing, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for spread and growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly after planting to help establish them in their new location.
