Foxglove 'Dalmatian White' Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian White' (Dalmatian Series)
ABOUT
'Dalmation White' is a semi-evergreen biennial or short-lived perennial to around 60cm tall with dark green leaves forming a basal rosette. Upright spikes of white flowers with purple-speckled throats are borne in early summer; this cultivar will flower in its first year
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae.
Synonyms
Foxglove, Common Foxglove, Purple Foxglove, Lady's Glove, Witch's Bells, Dead Men's Bells, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Thimbles.
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian White'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet [60 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The 'Dalmatian White' foxglove showcases beautiful white tubular flowers with spotted throats, adding visual interest to gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, which is important for the health of your garden.
- Fast Growth: As part of the Dalmatian Series, it is known for its rapid growth, allowing gardeners to enjoy its blooms relatively quickly.
- Vertical Interest: Its tall spikes can add height to flower beds and borders, creating a diverse garden structure.
- Sun or Partial Shade: It is adaptable to full sun or partial shade, giving gardeners flexibility in planting locations.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Its classic shape and colors are a perfect fit for cottage-style gardens.
- Deer Resistant: It is less likely to be eaten by deer, reducing the need for protective measures in gardens frequented by wildlife.
- Biennial Nature: Though typically a biennial, it can often reseed and provide lasting presence in the garden with little effort.
- Cut Flower: The blooms make excellent cut flowers, adding beauty indoors as well as in the garden.
- Seasonal Color: Blooms in late spring to early summer, providing color and interest during that season.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycoside production: The plant contains digitoxin and digoxin, which are compounds known to have a strong effect on the heart, especially in treating heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
- Positive inotropic effect: By inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, cardiac glycosides from Digitalis increase the force of heart muscle contractions, which improves heart pump function.
- Regulation of heart rate: Digitalis glycosides can slow the heart rate and correct irregular heartbeats, thus used in the treatment of certain arrhythmias.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Foxglove's tall and striking flower spikes can provide an excellent backdrop for garden photography, adding visual interest and depth to the composition.
- Educational Tool: Due to its distinct morphology, Foxglove can be used in educational settings such as schools and botanical gardens to teach about plant biology and pollination.
- Dye Production: Historically, various parts of Foxglove plants have been used to make dyes for textiles, though this is not a widely practiced use today.
- Artistic Inspiration: The striking appearance of Foxglove has inspired many artists and can be used in drawing, painting, or digital art lessons as a subject for teaching botanical illustration.
- Crafts: Dried Foxglove flowers can be used in floral crafts, such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in potpourri blends for their interesting shapes and textures.
- Garden Design: Foxglove can be strategically placed in certain areas of a garden to create a 'cottage garden' look or used in perennial borders for vertical interest.
- Drama and Theater: The dramatic stems and flowers of Foxglove can be used as props or set decorations in theatrical productions, providing a naturalistic or fairy-tale aesthetic.
- Sound barrier: The dense growth habit of Foxgloves can help dampen noise when planted in large groups, making them useful for creating quieter garden spaces.
- Habitat Creation: By planting Foxgloves, you can provide a habitat and food source for bees and other pollinators, thereby supporting local biodiversity.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Foxglove flowers can be incorporated into floral arrangements for events and celebrations that occur during its blooming season, adding height and drama to tablescapes.
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 purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, contains compounds used in heart medications, symbolizing its capacity to heal.
- Bewitchment and Magic: Foxglove has a long association with magic and folklore, where it was often believed to be enchanted.
- Insincerity: In the Victorian language of flowers, Foxglove was sometimes associated with insincerity due to its toxic properties.
- Protection: Foxglove has also been traditionally used to protect homes and gardens by warding off evil spirits.
WaterFoxglove should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to dry out, which may be about once a week. Use enough water to soak the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches, ensuring the entire root zone is hydrated. In hotter, drier conditions, this may require up to 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for mature plants. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant, and always make sure the plant has good drainage to prevent root rot.
LightFoxglove thrives under partial shade to full sun, but in hot climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade. The ideal spot is one that receives morning sunlight and is sheltered from the intense heat of the afternoon. Foxglove can tolerate a range of light conditions, but too much shade can cause it to grow leggy, while too much sun can stress the plant.
TemperatureFoxglove prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for cooler climates. During hot summer days above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant may require additional shading or watering to maintain its health.
PruningPrune foxglove to promote bushier growth and remove spent flower spikes to encourage a second bloom. Deadheading after the first bloom can sometimes result in a smaller second bloom in the same season. The best time for major pruning is late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove 'Dalmatian White' thrives in moist, well-drained soil enriched with compost or organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 5.5 to 7.0, is optimal. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or coconut coir, and one part perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage.
RepottingFoxglove 'Dalmatian White', being biennial, does not typically require repotting as it completes its life cycle in two years. If grown in containers, repotting may be necessary if the plant outgrows its pot or the soil becomes exhausted, usually every 1-2 years.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove 'Dalmatian White' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions as long as it's not too dry. Aim for a humidity level around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common foxglove 'Dalmatian White' begins its life as a seed, typically sown in late spring to early summer, or occasionally in autumn if the climate allows. Upon germination, which may take a few weeks, the seedlings develop into a rosette of downy basal leaves during their first year, surviving as a biennial. In their second year, from the rosette, a tall spike adorned with numerous white, bell-shaped flowers with spotted throats emerges between late spring and mid-summer, attracting various pollinators such as bees. After pollination, these flowers produce small capsule-like fruits that release seeds for dispersal, completing the cycle of reproduction. With the onset of the first frosts in autumn or winter, the plant dies back, having completed its biennial life cycle. Some plants might persist or self-seed, giving rise to new plants the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Foxglove 'Dalmatian White', a cultivar of Digitalis purpurea, is typically propagated by seed. To propagate, seeds should ideally be sown in late spring to early summer. For best results, prepare a seed tray with well-draining seed starting mix, lightly press the tiny seeds into the surface, and do not cover them, as they require light for germination. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Seeds will usually germinate in 2 to 3 weeks. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being planted out in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
