Foxglove Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot Lavender' (Camelot Series)
ABOUT
The 'Camelot Lavender' Foxglove features a beautiful array of lavender-pink tubular flowers that gracefully rise on tall spikes above a rosette of green foliage. Each bell-shaped bloom is delicately spotted on the inside, adding subtle detail to the overall display. The foliage of this variety exhibits large, downy, oval to oblong leaves that are a soft shade of green, forming an attractive base for the flower spikes. The flowers themselves are known for their bold color and their stately, towering presence in the garden, creating a visually striking effect with their vertical lines. The 'Camelot Lavender' Foxglove has a classic charm and is a favorite for adding height and color to garden borders and beds, with its blooms often preferred by pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Common Foxglove, Purple Foxglove, Lady's Glove
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot Lavender'
ToxicityTo humans
Foxglove, including the 'Camelot Lavender' variety, is highly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, particularly digitoxin and digoxin, which can disrupt heart function. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, weakness, and changes in vision. Severe poisoning can lead to cardiac symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, which can potentially be life-threatening. Medical attention should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Foxglove is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to humans, the ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to cardiac glycoside poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, weakness, abnormal heart rate, cardiac arrhythmias, and even seizures. In severe cases, ingestion can be fatal. If you suspect your pet has ingested foxglove, you should contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal clinic immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot Lavender' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for the pollination of many other plants.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its striking lavender-colored flowers and tall spikes, it adds vertical interest and a splash of color to gardens and landscaped areas.
- Cottage garden staple: The plant is a classic choice for traditional cottage gardens, providing an old-world charm and enhancing the overall design.
- Low maintenance: Once established, foxglove is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care beyond occasional watering and deadheading.
- Naturalizes well: The plant can self-seed under favorable conditions, which allows it to naturalize and fill out garden spaces without much intervention.
- Shade tolerance: Foxglove is capable of growing in partial shade, making it a versatile choice for garden spots that receive less sunlight.
- Seasonal interest: Its early summer blooms provide interest during a season when many other plants have yet to flower.
Medical Properties- Cardiotonic: Contains digitoxin and digoxin which are compounds used to strengthen cardiac contractility and regulate heart rhythm.
- Diuretic: Has been traditionally used for its diuretic effects, helping the body to remove excess water by increasing urine production.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Foxglove 'Camelot Lavender' can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of purples and greens depending on the mordant used.
- When dried, the flowers of the foxglove can be incorporated into potpourri mixtures, adding color and texture.
- The dried petals and leaves may serve as confetti for outdoor celebrations, creating a biodegradable option.
- In photography, the distinctive blooms of the foxglove can be used as a backdrop or focal point for macro and nature photos.
- Foxglove flowers can be used in the art of pressing flowers, later to be framed or used in craft projects like homemade cards and bookmarks.
- With their tall and stately appearance, foxglove can be planted as a natural fence or privacy screen in a garden setting.
- Foxglove can be utilized as a structural element in a perennial border, adding vertical interest and contrast with lower-growing plants.
- These flowers can be used educationally in botany and gardening classes to demonstrate the structure of a typical flowering plant.
- During thematic events or fairs, foxglove can be used to create a medieval or cottage garden feel.
- The foxglove plant can be employed in landscape design to guide the eye towards a focal point or feature in the garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Foxglove is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Foxglove is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove, contains digoxin, a potent compound used in heart medication, symbolizing its integral role in healing and medicine.
- Attraction: Foxglove's striking appearance and range of colors, including the lavender shades of 'Camelot Lavender', symbolize attraction and magnetism.
- Toxicity: As foxglove is highly toxic if ingested, it often represents both the positive and negative sides of medicine and the thin line between healing and harm.
- Protection: In folklore, foxgloves were thought to repel evil spirits and were planted near homes for protection.
- Insincerity: Due to its toxic properties, foxglove is sometimes associated with deceit or insincerity.
- Faerie Magic: Foxgloves are believed to be favored by faeries and are associated with magic and enchantment in gardens.
WaterFoxglove 'Camelot Lavender' prefers evenly moist soil, so it should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering once or twice a week, but frequency can vary depending on weather conditions and soil type. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to apply water directly to the soil, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. During the growing season, it may need about 1 gallon of water per plant every week, but be sure to adjust depending on rainfall and temperature. Overwatering and waterlogged soil should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
LightFoxglove 'Camelot Lavender' thrives best in partial shade to full sun. In hot climates, it benefits from afternoon shade, but in cooler climates, it can tolerate full sun. The best spot for this plant is one where it can receive morning sunlight and protection from the intense afternoon rays, ensuring a balance of light exposure that promotes healthy growth without scorching the leaves.
TemperatureFoxglove 'Camelot Lavender' is hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F for short periods, but it prefers and performs best in temperatures ranging between 60°F to 75°F. The maximum temperature for sustained healthy growth should not exceed 90°F. Providing mulch can help regulate soil temperature and protect the plant in both extreme hot and cold conditions.
PruningFoxglove 'Camelot Lavender' benefits from pruning to encourage a second flush of blooms and to maintain a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage new growth, and if desired, cut back foliage in the fall after flowering is complete. Pruning should be done after the main bloom period in early to mid-summer, and any dead or damaged leaves can be removed as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot Lavender') should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, such as a blend of loam, peat, and sand. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFoxgloves, typically being biennials, don’t need frequent repotting. However, you should repot young plants annually until they're established.
Humidity & MistingFoxgloves prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable to different humidity conditions as long as they have good soil moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and good airflow for indoor Foxgloves.
Outdoor
Choose a sunny to part-shaded area with well-draining soil for Foxgloves.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleFoxglove 'Camelot Lavender' begins its life cycle when the seed is sown in late spring to early summer, germinating in warm, moist soil. After germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves in its first year, with a strong root system establishing itself underground. In its second year, the plant sends up a tall spike adorned with bell-shaped, lavender-colored flowers, which are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing numerous small seeds, which when mature, are dispersed by wind or other means. After seed dispersal, the parent plant often dies, completing its biennial life cycle; however, under optimal conditions, some plants may act as short-lived perennials, producing flowers for a few consecutive years. During this cycle, the plant may also propagate vegetatively through the production of offsets or by division in the spring before the flowering stem grows.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Foxglove 'Camelot Lavender' (Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot Lavender') is by sowing seeds. Ideal seed propagation time is late spring to early summer or in the fall, depending on the climate. To propagate, surface sow the seeds onto a well-draining seed starting mix, as foxglove seeds require light for germination. Do not cover the seeds with soil but gently press them into the mix. Maintain moisture and keep the pot or tray in a warm area with temperatures around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Germination usually takes 14 to 21 days. Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots and later to their final position in the garden.
