Foxglove Digitalis 'Martina'
ABOUT
Digitalis 'Martina', commonly known as Foxglove 'Martina', is a striking plant known for its tubular flowers that often give the impression of an extended cluster. These blossoms exhibit a beautiful range of colors, typically in shades of pink to purple, each speckled with spots inside, which add to their ornate appearance. The flowers are gracefully arranged on a tall spike, which stands proudly above the foliage. The plant itself possesses a rosette of oblong to lance-shaped leaves that are medium green in color and have a slightly furry texture. These leaves form the base from which the flower spikes emerge. The overall form of Foxglove 'Martina' is one of vertical elegance, with the flower spikes adding a dramatic allure to any garden setting. As a biennial or short-lived perennial, Foxglove 'Martina' can reseed itself in the garden, thereby ensuring its presence year after year without additional planting. This plant is well-loved not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to attract pollinators such as bees, which find the bell-shaped flowers particularly enticing. However, it is important to note that while it is beautiful to observe, all parts of the Foxglove 'Martina' are toxic if ingested.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Martina Foxglove
Common names
Digitalis 'Martina'.
ToxicityTo humans
Digitalis, commonly known as foxglove, is highly toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause serious poisoning. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, weakness, changes in vision, and cardiac disturbances such as irregular heartbeats or bradycardia. Severe poisoning can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention.
To pets
Foxglove is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms such as drooling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, and potentially death. The toxic components, cardiac glycosides, can severely affect the pet's heart function and require urgent veterinary care.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Digitalis 'Martina', commonly known as foxglove, is known to attract bees and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Decorative blooms: The plant produces tall spires of pink or purple bell-shaped flowers that can add aesthetic appeal to any garden.
- Height for borders: Foxglove can reach a considerable height and is ideal for adding vertical interest to mixed borders or for planting at the back of a garden bed.
- Shade tolerance: This plant can tolerate partial shade, making it suitable for planting under trees or in areas of the garden that do not receive full sunlight.
- Cottage garden feel: Foxglove is a classic plant for achieving a traditional cottage garden look with its quintessential charm and rustic appearance.
- Wildlife habitat: The dense foliage and flowers provide shelter and food for insects and small wildlife, supporting biodiversity.
- Seasonal interest: With a spring to summer blooming period, foxglove adds interest to the garden during these seasons when many other plants are also at their peak.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycosides - Digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove, contains compounds that can strengthen cardiac contractility.
- Heart failure treatment - The plant's compounds can be used under medical supervision to treat certain heart conditions, particularly heart failure.
- Arrhythmia management - It may be employed to correct certain types of cardiac arrhythmias, though its use is strictly controlled due to narrow therapeutic index and potential toxicity.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Garden Plant: Foxglove 'Martina' can add height and color to flower beds and borders with its striking, trumpet-like flowers.
- Dye Production: The leaves of the foxglove have been historically used to produce a greenish-brown dye for textiles.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its whimsical appearance, foxglove is often used in fairy garden designs to create a magical ambiance.
- Photography: Foxgloves with their vivid flowers are popular subjects for photographers looking to capture the beauty of garden flowers.
- Educational Tool: Foxgloves can be used in schools to teach students about plant biology, the ecology of pollination, and the importance of plant diversity.
- Wildlife Haven: Foxglove provides nectar for bees and can be included in gardens designed to support pollinators and beneficial insects.
- Cultural Symbolism: In certain cultures, foxgloves are associated with folklore and may be used in thematic gardens or cultural events to represent these stories.
- Ecosystem Indicator: Foxglove may serve as an indicator species in its natural habitat, signaling the health of the ecosystem.
- Weather Predictor: Folklore suggests that the foxglove can be used to predict weather as it is believed to close its flowers ahead of rain.
- Art and Crafts: The unique shape of foxglove flowers makes them an interesting addition to floral crafts, such as pressing for herbariums or in paper making.
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 historical use in medicine, particularly for heart conditions, symbolizing the ability to heal.
- Bewilderment: With its stunning and vivid blooms, Foxglove can represent astonishment or a state of bewilderment due to its dramatic appearance.
- Insincerity: In Victorian flower language, Foxglove was sometimes associated with insincerity, likely because of its toxic nature underlying its beautiful exterior.
- Protection: The bell-shaped flowers of Foxglove are thought to symbolize protection, as they could be imagined to shield tiny creatures from harm.
WaterFor Foxglove 'Martina', ensure the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water this perennial deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to every 3 to 4 days. In the winter, reduce watering to every other week, depending on the plant's indoor conditions or regional climate.
LightFoxglove 'Martina' thrives in partial shade to full sun. The ideal spot is one where it receives morning sunlight and is protected from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. Too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms, while too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureFoxglove 'Martina' can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided to prevent plant stress.
PruningPrune Foxglove 'Martina' to remove spent flower spikes and encourage a second bloom in the same season. Deadheading also prevents the plant from self-sowing excessively. Prune in late fall or early spring to clean up any dead or damaged foliage. The best time for major pruning is immediately after the first flush of blooms has faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxgloves, such as Digitalis 'Martina', thrive in a well-draining soil mix with plenty of organic matter like compost. A neutral to slightly acidic pH, around 6.0 to 7.0, is ideal. Ensure that the soil is also moisture-retentive to support their growth.
RepottingFoxgloves typically do not need frequent repotting as they are biennial or short-lived perennials. Digitalis 'Martina' can be left undisturbed for a couple of years unless the plant is outgrowing its container.
Humidity & MistingFoxgloves prefer moderate humidity levels; however, they are adaptable and can tolerate the humidity found in most garden environments. No specific humidity requirements are necessary for Digitalis 'Martina'.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and regular watering for indoor Foxgloves.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade or sun and ensure well-draining soil for outdoor Foxgloves.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Digitalis 'Martina', commonly known as Foxglove 'Martina', begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil, typically in early to mid spring. Once the seedling emerges, it develops into a rosette of leaves during its first year, focusing on vegetative growth. In its second year, the Foxglove 'Martina' produces a tall spike covered in tubular flowers that vary in color, typically blooming in late spring or early summer. After pollination, typically by bees, the flowers produce small capsule-like fruits containing numerous tiny seeds. Once the seeds are dispersed by wind or gravity, the parent plant completes its biennial cycle and usually dies, though some specimens may persist longer and exhibit a perennial-like habit. Seedlings resulting from the dispersed seeds will carry on the cycle if conditions allow for germination and growth.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Foxglove 'Martina' is typically propagated by seed, which is the most popular method for this plant. The ideal time for sowing Foxglove seeds is late spring or early summer. To propagate, surface sow the fine seeds onto a well-drained seed starting mix as they require light for germination. It is important not to cover the seeds with soil but to gently press them into the mix. Keep the seed tray in a warm place, around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius), and ensure the soil remains lightly moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs in 2 to 3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to individual pots and later moved to their final position in the garden.
