Foxglove Digitalis 'Elsie Kelsey'
ABOUT
The Digitalis 'Elsie Kelsey', commonly known as the 'Foxglove', is a striking plant featuring an array of beautiful bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are distinctly white with an alluring contrast of burgundy or maroon spots inside their throats. The petals have a subtle elegance about them, with a slightly pendulous characteristic that adds to the plant's charming display. The blooms are neatly arranged around a sturdy spike that rises above the foliage. Surrounding the flower spikes, the plant showcases a rosette of green leaves. These leaves are typically broad, slightly hairy, and have a textured surface with pronounced veins running through them. The margins of the leaves are softly toothed. The overall appearance of the Foxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' is one of classic beauty, with its contrasting flowers providing an eye-catching spot of color and visual interest in a garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Foxglove, Lady's Glove
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Elsie Kelsey'
ToxicityTo humans
Foxglove (Digitalis 'Elsie Kelsey') is highly toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, weakness, changes in heart rate (either slow or fast), and possibly collapse or death due to cardiac effects. Urgent medical attention is required if foxglove ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Foxglove (Digitalis 'Elsie Kelsey') is also highly toxic to pets, including dogs and cats, if ingested. It contains cardiac glycosides that can affect the heart and lead to serious health issues or death. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and potentially fatal heart failure. If ingestion is suspected, immediate veterinary attention is critical.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Foxgloves, including Digitalis 'Elsie Kelsey', are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can aid in the pollination of gardens.
- Architectural Interest: The tall spikes of Foxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' add height and structure to garden borders, making it an excellent choice for adding visual interest to a landscape.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: Foxgloves are classic plants for a cottage garden style, giving an informal, romantic touch to the planting scheme.
- Shade Tolerance: Digitalis 'Elsie Kelsey' can grow in partial shade, making it a valuable plant for those areas of the garden where other flowering plants might struggle.
- Seasonal Color: With its striking white flowers with burgundy speckles, it provides a beautiful contrast and seasonal color when in bloom during the summer months.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, Foxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' has moderate drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens with lower water availability.
- Deer-Resistant: This plant is generally resistant to deer, which makes it a good option for gardens in areas where deer predation is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Digitalis 'Elsie Kelsey', commonly known as Foxglove, can be used to produce a range of pink and purple dyes for textiles.
- As a model in photography: Due to its striking appearance, Foxglove can be used as a photogenic subject in floral photography workshops and portfolios.
- In gardening education: Foxglove can be incorporated into educational programs to teach about plant biology, especially regarding pollination, as its flowers are designed to attract bees.
- As a muse for artists: The distinct bell-shaped flowers of Foxglove often inspire artists and can be used as the subject matter in various forms of art from watercolor to digital media.
- Thematic gardens: Foxglove can be included in fairy or medieval-themed gardens, given its historical connotations and visual appeal.
- As an indicator species: In some cases, the presence of Foxglove can indicate certain soil conditions, such as acidic soil, which can be useful for ecological studies.
- As a structural plant: With its tall spikes, Foxglove can be used to add vertical interest in landscape design or as a backdrop in flower borders.
- In crafting: Dried Foxglove flowers can be used in crafting projects, such as making bookmarks, pressed flower arrangements, or decorative wreaths.
- Symbolism and gift-giving: Because of its striking appearance and history, Foxglove can be gifted as a plant that represents insincerity or a false heart, as part of the Victorian language of flowers.
- In devices for sound ecology: The shape of the Foxglove flower could inspire designs for devices used to study acoustic ecology by mimicking its natural bell-like shape which captures sound vibrations.
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, has a history of medicinal uses, particularly for heart conditions due to its digitoxin and digoxin compounds. Thus, it symbolizes healing powers.
- Bewitchment: Foxglove's association with folklore and its toxic properties link it to bewitchment and magic. It is believed to have magical attributes and relates to the fairy realm, symbolizing enchantment.
- Insincerity: In the language of flowers, Foxglove sometimes represents insincerity or deception, possibly because of the plant's poisonous nature despite its beautiful appearance.
- Protection: Foxgloves are also thought to protect homes and gardens against evil influences, which is why they were planted around houses in traditional folk beliefs.
WaterFor Foxglove 'Elsie Kelsey', maintain consistent moisture by watering thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch; this may result in watering once or twice a week depending on weather conditions. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency but avoid waterlogging the plant. It is best to water deeply each time, which for an average-sized plant, might mean using about 1 to 2 gallons of water to ensure the root system is reached. Reduce watering during the winter months when the plant is not actively growing but be careful not to let the soil become completely dry.
LightFoxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' thrives best in partial shade to full sunlight conditions; however, in areas with very hot summers, providing afternoon shade can prevent scorching of the leaves. A spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade would be ideal, ensuring the plant gets sufficient light without the intensity of the midday sun. Avoid deep shade since it may lead to poor flowering and spindly growth.
TemperatureFoxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best in conditions where temperatures remain between 60°F and 80°F. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40°F and is generally hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9. It is not well-suited for consistently high temperatures above 90°F, which might stress the plant and affect its growth.
PruningPrune Foxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' to remove spent flower spikes after blooming, which can encourage a second flush of flowers in certain climates. Cut the flowering stalks back to the base of the plant. Additionally, deadheading or removing faded flowers before they set seed can prolong the blooming period. The best time for major pruning is late fall or early spring, when the plant is not actively growing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' thrives in moist, well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A mix containing loam, peat, and sand in equal parts can create an ideal growing medium for this plant.
RepottingFoxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' is typically biennial and may not require repotting as it is often grown as an annual or sown directly outdoors for flowering in its second year.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' prefers average to high humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions in a garden setting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for indoor Foxglove 'Elsie Kelsey'.
Outdoor
Plant in part-shade, moist soil; protect from strong winds for outdoor Foxglove 'Elsie Kelsey'.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleFoxglove 'Elsie Kelsey' begins its life cycle when the small, brown seeds germinate, preferably in cool and moist conditions, typically in spring or autumn. Seedlings establish a rosette of leaves at the soil surface, entering a vegetative stage where they prioritize leaf growth. The plant may remain in this vegetative state for one or more years before it bolts, sending up a tall flower spike in late spring or early summer. During the flowering stage, the tubular white flowers with burgundy speckles attract pollinators such as bees, which are necessary for cross-pollination. After successful pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules that release seeds once they dry, thus completing the reproductive stage. The parent plant typically dies after seed production, as foxgloves are biennial or short-lived perennials, but the cycle continues as the new seeds initiate the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Foxglove 'Elsie Kelsey', known for its striking flowers, is most commonly propagated through seeds. The best time for sowing the seeds is late spring to early summer when the soil temperatures are consistently warm. To propagate, the seeds should be scattered lightly on the surface of well-drained, moist soil in a shaded or semi-shaded area, since foxglove seeds require light for germination. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the seedlings will emerge in a few weeks. Thin the seedlings to prevent overcrowding and transplant them to their final location once they are large enough to handle. This method allows for a simple way to create new plants that will bloom in the following year.
