Foxglove 'Dalmatian Peach' Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Peach' (Dalmatian Series)
ABOUT
'Dalmation Peach' is a biennial or short-lived perennial to 60cm tall that forms a basal rosette of hairy, toothed, ovate to lance-shaped leaves. Upright spikes of pale yellow-orange to peach flowers with orange speckled throats arise from the rosette of leaves in midsummer; this cultivar typically flowers in its first year
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Common Foxglove, Purple Foxglove, Lady's Glove, Fairy Gloves, Fairy Bells, Witches' Gloves
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Peach'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Peach
Height
2 feet 0 inches (0.61 meters)
Spread
1 foot 0 inches (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Dalmatian Peach foxglove is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate your garden.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides tall spires of peach-colored flowers in late spring to early summer, adding visual interest to the landscape.
- Easy to Grow: This cultivar of foxglove is relatively easy to grow and maintain, suited to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-draining.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: Its traditional blooms fit perfectly into cottage garden schemes or borders, offering a classic look.
- Cut Flower Use: The flowers of the Dalmatian Peach foxglove are suitable for cutting and using in floral arrangements, adding beauty indoors as well.
- Deer Resistance: Foxgloves are generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem for gardens.
- Vertical Accent: The plant's tall flower spikes can provide vertical structure to garden beds or mixed borders.
- Shade Tolerance: Foxgloves are capable of flowering in partial shade, which makes them versatile for different lighting conditions in the garden.
- Color Variety: The peachy hues offer a softer color palette that can be used to create contrast or harmony with other plants in the garden.
Medical Properties- Cardiotonic: Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as foxglove, contains digitalis glycosides which can be used to increase cardiac contractility in some heart conditions.
- Antiarrhythmic: Its constituents may be utilized medically to treat certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, helping to restore normal heart rhythm.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Foxglove can be utilized as a natural dye, producing various shades of green depending on the mordant used.
- Foxglove flowers can be infused to create a light-sensitive solution for alternative photography, such as anthotype printing.
- In small quantities, foxglove leaf litter may help suppress the growth of certain plant pests when used as mulch due to its chemical constituents.
- Foxglove's tall and colorful blooms are often used in arrangements for visual arts, enabling artists to capture their unique form and color in paintings and drawings.
- The dried stalks of foxglove can be used creatively in crafts, such as making dreamcatchers or natural weaving projects.
- The plant is sometimes included in sensory gardens for its textured leaves and bell-shaped flowers that can be enjoyed through touch and sight.
- Foxglove is used in specifically designed wildlife gardens to attract and support pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and certain butterflies.
- Gardeners may plant foxglove as a companion plant to attract pollinators to other crops in the garden, thus enhancing overall pollination success.
- Enthusiasts of folklore and mythology may cultivate foxglove for its rich presence in tales and associations with the fairy realm, adding an element of storytelling to the garden space.
- Foxglove can serve as a natural indicator of soil fertility, as it commonly grows in rich, acidic soils, which can help gardeners assess their soil conditions.
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: Commonly known as Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea has been used in traditional medicine for ages and contributes as a source of drug compounds used in heart medications.
- Protection: Foxglove is often associated with protection due to the belief that fairies and other supernatural beings could hide within its tall, bell-like flowers, providing them shelter and safety.
- Insincerity: Despite its medical uses, Foxglove is also toxic. This dual nature leads to its association with insincerity or deceit.
- Warning: The toxicity of Foxglove acts as a natural warning sign to humans and animals alike to proceed with caution around the plant.
WaterFoxglove should be watered regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water it thoroughly to ensure the entire root zone is moistened, using approximately one gallon per plant each week, although this can vary depending on weather conditions. Increase watering during prolonged dry spells or if the foxglove is located in full sun. It's best to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Be cautious not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
LightFoxglove thrives in partial shade, particularly in the afternoon when the sun is most intense. A spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal for maintaining vibrant flower colors and healthy foliage. However, foxgloves can also adapt to full sun conditions if the soil remains consistently moist.
TemperatureFoxglove prefers moderate temperatures and grows best in a range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure optimal growth, avoid placing foxglove in areas where temperatures may drop below freezing or soar to extreme heats.
PruningPrune foxglove to promote bushier growth and encourage more flower spikes. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production and to encourage a second bloom. Cut back the flower stalk after blooming, leaving the foliage to die down naturally. The best time for pruning is immediately after the first round of blooms fade.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Foxglove 'Dalmatian Peach' thrives in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. A mix containing equal parts garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand is ideal. The soil pH for optimal growth should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFoxgloves, including the 'Dalmatian Peach', are biennials or short-lived perennials and do not typically require frequent repotting. Repot only when necessary, which would be if they outgrow their current container or every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove 'Dalmatian Peach' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels, but it performs best in average humidity conditions. No specific humidity level is required, just avoid extremely dry or overly humid environments that could encourage disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when top soil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, and mulch to retain moisture.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Foxglove 'Dalmatian Peach' begins as a dormant seed which, when conditions are right, germinates in moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the emergence of the plant's first true leaves. It then enters the vegetative stage, where it develops a rosette of oblong leaves and a strong root system. As it matures, the plant initiates the reproductive stage in its second year, producing a tall spike adorned with peach-colored, bell-shaped flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules containing numerous small seeds. The plant completes its life cycle by dying after seed dispersal, although it can behave as a biennial or short-lived perennial, potentially emerging again from self-sown seeds or overwintered rosettes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Peach' is commonly known as Foxglove. Propagation of this biennial or short-lived perennial plant is most commonly achieved through seed. Sowing seeds can be done in late spring to early summer after the threat of frost has passed, or in early fall to allow the seeds to stratify naturally during cold weather. Seeds are sprinkled on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix and lightly pressed into the soil. As light is required for germination, they should not be covered with soil. Maintaining consistent moisture and a temperature range of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius) is essential. Seedlings generally emerge in 14 to 21 days. Transplant them to their final location once they're big enough to handle and after all danger of frost is past.
