Foxglove 'Camelot White' Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot White' (Camelot Series)
ABOUT
'Camelot White' is a semi-evergreen biennial or short-lived perennial with a rosette of downy, ovate to lance-shaped leaves. Sturdy stems to 1.2m tall bear bell-shaped white flowers with red-speckled throats; this cultivar flowers reliably in its first year
About this plant
- Names
Family
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Common Foxglove, Purple Foxglove, Lady's Glove
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot White'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot White' adds visual interest to gardens with its striking white spires of bell-shaped flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is known to attract bees and hummingbirds, which are important for pollination of gardens and ecosystems.
- Cottage Garden Style: It's ideal for creating or enhancing the classic cottage garden look with its traditional flower form and arrangement.
- Height and Texture: With its tall flower spikes, it provides vertical interest and textural contrast in mixed flower borders.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in late spring to early summer, filling the seasonal gap between early spring bulbs and summer perennials.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is relatively easy to grow and care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Shade Tolerance: Unlike many other flowering plants, it can tolerate and thrive in partially shaded areas.
- Medical Properties
- Cardiac Glycosides: Foxglove contains digitoxin and digoxin which are cardiac glycosides used to treat heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and sometimes heart failure.
- Positive Inotropic Effect: The cardiac glycosides in foxglove increase the force of heart contractions, which can be beneficial in certain heart disorders.
- Control of Heart Rate: The compounds in foxglove can slow down a fast heart rate associated with certain arrhythmias, helping to control the overall rhythm of the heart.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Biodegradable insecticide: Digitalis purpurea can be used to create a natural insecticide that biodegrades, reducing harm to the environment compared to synthetic alternatives.
- Natural fabric dye: The flowers and leaves of the Foxglove can be used in the dyeing process to give fabrics a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- Photography: The Foxglove's striking flowers are often used in macro photography to teach techniques and for their aesthetic value in compositions.
- Garden structure: With their tall spikes, Foxglove plants can be used to add vertical structure and formality to a garden design or a flower bed.
- Educational tool: Foxglove is sometimes used in educational settings to discuss plant biology, ecology, and the importance of pollinators in gardens.
- Crafts: Dried Foxglove flowers can be incorporated into craft projects, such as pressed flower art or in the creation of natural potpourri.
- Ecological studies: The plant is useful for studying the ecology of bumblebee species and other pollinators that are attracted to its flowers.
- Commemorative planting: Foxglove is sometimes planted in memory gardens or remembrance areas due to the flower's historical significance and striking appearance.
- Theme gardens: Foxglove can be used in “fairy-tale” themed gardens to evoke a sense of enchantment and old-world magic.
- Mood enhancement: Viewing and being around Foxglove flowers in a garden can improve human well-being by providing aesthetic pleasure and stress relief.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Foxglove is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Foxglove is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Healing: Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, has been used medicinally to create digitalis, a group of medicines for heart conditions, symbolizing its healing properties.
- Bewitchment: Because of its toxic nature when not used properly, the Foxglove is also associated with magic and bewitchment.
- Pride: With its tall, proud spikes full of bell-shaped flowers, the Foxglove can symbolize pride or ambition.
- Insincerity: In the language of flowers, Foxgloves have been associated with insincerity perhaps due to the plant's poisonous nature contrasting its beautiful appearance.
- Water
Foxgloves, like Camelot White, should be watered deeply once a week during their growing season, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. It's best to check the top inch of soil before watering; if it's dry, your plant is ready for water. Provide about one gallon of water per plant per watering session. This amount could increase during particularly hot or dry periods. During winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture to sustain itself.
- Light
Foxgloves like Camelot White thrive in partial shade but can also tolerate full sun as long as they're not in a scorching climate. For optimal growth, plant them in a spot that receives morning sunlight and partial afternoon shade. This light balance encourages robust growth while protecting the plant from the harsh midday sun.
- Temperature
Foxgloves such as Camelot White prefer moderate temperatures and will flourish in a climate where temperatures are typically between 60°F and 80°F. They can withstand colder weather down to about -20°F and will go dormant in winter. The ideal growing condition is a well-drained site with cool nights and temperate days.
- Pruning
Foxgloves such as Camelot White don't require extensive pruning, but deadheading the spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding if not desired. Pruning should be done after the first bloom in early to midsummer. It’s important to wear gloves, as all parts of the plant are toxic.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Foxglove 'Camelot White' thrives in a well-draining, moist soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7. The ideal soil mix can be prepared by combining garden soil, peat moss or coconut coir, and perlite or sand in equal parts to ensure good drainage and aeration.
- Repotting
Foxglove 'Camelot White' is typically a biennial plant; therefore, it doesn't require frequent repotting. Repot only if it outgrows its current container or if the soil becomes exhausted, which is generally every 2-3 years.
- Humidity & Misting
Foxglove 'Camelot White' prefers moderate humidity levels but is relatively adaptable. Aim to maintain humidity around 50-60% for optimal growth, though it can tolerate lower levels without adverse effects.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright, indirect light and ensure soil drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil, and space apart.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
- Life cycle
Foxglove 'Camelot White' begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in the spring when temperatures are mild and moisture is sufficient. The seedling emerges, displaying its first set of leaves, and as it matures, it develops a rosette of foliage at the base. In its first year, the plant primarily focuses on vegetative growth and stores energy in its roots. During its second year, it sends up a tall spike covered in white bell-shaped flowers which are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the plant produces small capsule-like fruits, which split open to release numerous tiny seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Once the seed dispersal is accomplished, the biennial plant typically dies, leaving its progeny to begin the cycle anew.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Early Spring
Digitalis purpurea 'Camelot White', commonly known as Foxglove, is most successfully propagated by seed. The best time to sow foxglove seeds is in late spring to early summer, after the threat of frost has passed. Gardeners commonly sow the tiny seeds directly onto the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and lightly press them into the soil, as they require light to germinate. Maintaining a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 18 to 21 degrees Celsius) will promote germination, which usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Care should be taken to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final position in the garden while ensuring they are spaced approximately 12 to 18 inches (about 30 to 45 centimeters) apart to accommodate mature growth.