Foxglove Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice'
ABOUT
Commonly known as Foxglove, 'Pam's Choice' is a striking variety with a distinct appearance. It has tall spires adorned with large, bell-shaped flowers that hang elegantly along one side of the stem. The flowers are predominantly white, but they are beautifully marked with deep purplish-black spots inside, giving them a dramatic and speckled look. The throats of the flowers showcase a slight blush of purple, which fades into the creamy white of the petals. The foliage of 'Pam's Choice' forms a rosette of green, oblong leaves at the base, from which the flower spikes emerge. These leaves are slightly furry to the touch and have a soft, greyish-green hue. Overall, the plant has a cottage garden charm with its stunning contrast of the white petals and dark spots, making it a captivating addition to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae.
Synonyms
Foxglove, Lady's Glove, Purple Foxglove, Common Foxglove, Fairy Gloves.
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice'.
ToxicityTo humans
Foxglove, including the variety 'Pam's Choice', is highly poisonous to humans if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause a range of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and confusion. More severe poisonings can result in cardiac abnormalities such as irregular heartbeats, leading to complications such as heart block, arrhythmias, and potentially death. Medical attention is required immediately if ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Foxglove is also highly toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The cardiac glycosides present in the plant can cause similar symptoms as in humans, including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, and death. It is critical to prevent pets from having access to any part of the foxglove plant and to seek veterinary care immediately if foxglove ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The bell-shaped flowers are known to attract bees and hummingbirds, which can aid in the pollination of your garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice', commonly known as Foxglove, has striking white flowers with deep purple spots, making it a visually appealing addition to any garden.
- Vertical Interest: Its tall spires provide vertical interest to garden beds, borders, and landscapes, creating depth and contrast.
- Cottage Garden Essential: Foxglove is a classic choice for cottage-style gardens, contributing to a charming and traditional aesthetic.
- Shade Tolerant: Foxglove thrives in partial shade, making it an excellent option for garden spots that don't receive full sunlight all day.
- Easy to Grow: It is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
- Naturalizes Well: Foxglove can self-seed and establish itself, spreading naturally in the garden over time.
- Seasonal Color: Foxglove blooms in late spring to early summer, providing seasonal color and interest to the garden.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycoside content: Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, contains compounds known as cardiac glycosides, particularly digoxin and digitoxin, which can be used to treat certain heart conditions.
- Heart rate regulation: The cardiac glycosides in Foxglove have been used to regulate heart rate in patients with heart disorders, such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.
- Heart failure treatment: Extracts of Digitalis purpurea have been used historically in the management of congestive heart failure, by increasing the force of the heart's contractions and reducing symptoms associated with heart failure.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: The leaves and flowers of the Foxglove can be used to create a natural dye, offering a range of colors from green to brown dependent on the mordant used.
- Photography: Foxglove flowers can be used in the creation of botanical photograms by placing them directly onto photographic paper and exposing them to light, leaving a silhouette image.
- Fairy Gardens: The bell-shaped flowers of the Foxglove are often used to enhance fairy gardens, giving a magical woodland aesthetic that is said to attract fairies and small wildlife.
- Garden Design: With its striking flowers and height, Foxglove can be utilized to create a vertical accent in cottage-style or informal garden borders.
- Horticultural Breeding: The Foxglove is used in plant breeding programs to create hybrids with varied and unique colors, shapes, and growth habits.
- Educational Resource: Foxglove is a classic example of a plant with a tubular flower shape, making it a useful specimen in educational settings to illustrate pollination mechanics and plant morphology.
- Companion Planting: Foxgloves can be used in companion planting to add height and color amongst lower-growing plants in the garden, and may help in providing shade for shade-loving understory species.
- Art and Illustration: Due to their aesthetic appeal, Foxglove flowers are frequently used as subjects for botanical illustrations, paintings, and floral designs in various art forms.
- Wildlife Habitat: When planted, Foxgloves can provide nectar for bees and other pollinators, as well as habitat for beneficial insects.
- Craft and Decor: Dried Foxglove flowers can be used in crafts, such as creating natural potpourri or floral arrangements for indoor decor.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiFoxglove is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityFoxglove is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, is used to create digitalis, a medication prescribed for heart conditions, symbolizing its role in healing and medicine.
- Toxicity: Due to its poisonous compounds, Foxglove is a symbol of toxicity and danger, reminding us of the fine line between healing and harm.
- Deception: Foxglove's attractive flowers may entice individuals, but its toxic nature represents the idea that not everything beautiful is beneficial, symbolizing deception.
- Insincerity: The dual nature of Foxglove, being both beautiful and poisonous, can also represent insincerity or false appearances.
- Protection: Folklore suggests planting Foxglove was believed to protect homes from evil influences, making it a symbol of protection.
WaterFoxglove 'Pam's Choice' should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage root growth. Aim to water the plant when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch, which typically means watering once or twice a week, depending on climate conditions. Each watering session should provide the plant with 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, allowing the moisture to seep deep into the root zone. During the hot summer months, weekly watering may be necessary, while in cooler periods, you can reduce the frequency. Ensure that the plant does not sit in soggy soil as this can lead to root rot.
LightFoxglove 'Pam's Choice' thrives best in partial shade, though it can tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade. Direct afternoon sun should generally be avoided as it can be too intense. Choose a spot in the garden that receives dappled sunlight or has protection from the harsh midday sun for optimal growth.
TemperatureFoxglove 'Pam's Choice' prefers a temperate climate with daytime temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can withstand colder nights, down to at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and during the growing season, it can survive short periods of temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant ensures robust growth and successful flowering.
PruningFoxglove 'Pam's Choice' often requires pruning to promote better air circulation and reduce the potential for diseases. Pruning should be done after flowering, cutting back the spent flower spikes to encourage a second flush of blooms. Pruning can be done annually, immediately after the main flowering period ends, usually in late spring to early summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove 'Pam's Choice' thrives in a well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter; compost or leaf mold can be added to improve soil structure. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFoxglove 'Pam's Choice' is typically a biennial plant, meaning it won’t need repotting as it is often grown anew from seed. If grown as a perennial, it can be divided every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove 'Pam's Choice' prefers moderate humidity conditions but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels found in many outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Sun to partial shade, fertile soil, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleDigitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice', commonly known as Foxglove 'Pam's Choice', starts its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, cool soil typically in the spring. The seedling emerges, developing a rosette of leaves during its first year as a biennial plant. In its second year, the plant shoots up a tall spire with tubular flowers that are white with maroon spots inside and can reach up to 5 feet in height, attracting pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the flowers produce small capsule-like fruits containing numerous tiny seeds. As the seeds are dispersed by wind or fall close to the parent plant, the mature Foxglove 'Pam's Choice' dies, completing its life cycle. The scattered seeds lie dormant through the winter until conditions are favorable for germination, thus continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
The most popular method for propagating Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Choice', commonly known as foxglove, is by seed. Seeds should ideally be sown directly in the garden in late spring or early summer, just after the last frost date, when the soil has warmed up. To propagate, scatter the seeds on the surface of a well-draining soil mix and press them lightly into the soil, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes 2 to 3 weeks at 65-70°F (18-21°C). Once seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be thinned out or transplanted to their final locations. It’s important to remember that foxgloves are biennials; plants grown from seed will usually flower in the second year after sowing.
