Foxglove Digitalis × valinii Illumination Pink = 'Tmdgfp001' (PBR) (Illumination Series)

Water

For the Foxglove 'Illumination Pink', it is essential to maintain a consistent watering schedule to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water, adjusting for rainfall and temperature. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice weekly. Make sure the top inch of soil dries out before watering again to avoid overwatering. In winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, depending on the plant's dormancy and environmental conditions.

Light

Foxglove 'Illumination Pink' thrives best in partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. If grown indoors, an east or west-facing window that provides bright, indirect light is optimal.

Temperature

Foxglove 'Illumination Pink' prefers a temperate climate and does best within a temperature range of 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but for optimal growth and flowering, keep it in conditions that do not regularly drop below freezing. During hot weather, ensure the plant has adequate water and shade to prevent heat stress.

Pruning

Pruning Foxglove 'Illumination Pink' encourages a tidy growth habit and can prolong its blooming period. Deadhead spent flowers to prevent the plant from putting energy into seed production, and lightly trim the foliage to shape it if desired. The best time for pruning is right after the main bloom cycle has ended, usually in late summer or early fall, to prepare the plant for the next growing season.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Digitalis x valinii 'Illumination Pink', commonly known as foxglove 'Illumination Pink', is well-draining and fertile with a mix of loam and organic matter. A peat-based potting mix amended with perlite and compost is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0, to support robust growth.

Repotting

Foxglove 'Illumination Pink' does not typically require frequent repotting. It should only be repotted if it has outgrown its current container or the soil has degraded, which is generally every 2 to 3 years. When repotting, choose a slightly larger pot to provide room for growth.

Humidity & Misting

Foxglove 'Illumination Pink' prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable to average home humidity. Aim to maintain humidity between 40% to 60% for the best plant health. Avoid overly dry conditions, which can cause stress and leaf damage.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Digitalis Illumination Pink, part of the Illumination Series, begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring stratification – a period of cold to break dormancy – before germination can occur when temperatures rise in spring. Once germinated, the seedling undergoes a growth phase where the first true leaves develop and the plant establishes a root system. As a biennial or short-lived perennial, the plant may not flower in the first year, focusing instead on vegetative growth and the development of a rosette of leaves at the ground level. In its flowering stage, typically in the second year, it produces tall, striking spikes of pink flowers that are attractive to bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. After pollination, seeds form and are eventually dispersed near the parent plant or by wind, allowing the cycle to begin anew. The plant will then either die after seeding, completing its lifecycle, or it may survive, entering a period of dormancy in winter before resuming growth in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The common name for Digitalis × valinii Illumination Pink = 'Tmdgfp001' (PBR) (Illumination Series) is Foxglove 'Illumination Pink'. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by cuttings, typically undertaken in late spring or early summer. To propagate by cuttings, a gardener would select a healthy stem and cut a piece about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length just below a leaf node. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed, and the cutting can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a mixture of peat and perlite or in a specialized seed starting mix, ensuring that the nodes where the leaves were removed are buried as these areas are where roots are most likely to develop. The environment should be kept humid and the cutting should be placed in indirect light until roots have formed, after which it can be transplanted.