Foxglove Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Split'
ABOUT
Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Split', commonly known as foxglove, boasts striking and unique flowers. The blooms are characterized by their shape, which resembles the fingers of a glove, hence the name "foxglove." For 'Pam's Split', the petals display a distinctive split or 'open' look, which sets them apart from the typical bell shape of common foxgloves. Each flower is tubular and hangs from the stem in a series that creates a tall, extended spike. The color of 'Pam's Split' foxglove can vary, but it often presents in shades of purple, pink, white, or cream. The petals can have various specks and patterns, typically in a deeper or contrasting tone, such as maroon or dark purple spots. The inside of each bloom is often marked with these speckles and a network of veins that allure to bees and other pollinators. The foliage of 'Pam's Split' foxglove forms a rosette at the plant's base. The leaves are large, somewhat hairy, and have a slightly wrinkled texture with a rich green color. They taper to a point and have a slightly toothed margin. This plant is sought after not only for its ornamental appeal but also for its ability to attract wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are drawn to its nectar-rich flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Common Foxglove, Purple Foxglove, Lady's Glove, Fairy Gloves, Witch's Bells, Dead Men's Bells, Folk's Glove, Fairy Thimbles, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Petticoats, Throatwort, Lion's Mouth, Bloody Fingers, Virgin's Glove, Fairy Weed, Fairy Cap, Witches' Gloves
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Split'.
ToxicityTo humans
Foxglove, including the variety Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Split', is highly toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause severe poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headaches, dizziness, confusion, weakness, vision changes, and changes in heart rate (either slow or fast). In severe cases, it can result in cardiac arrhythmias or heart block, which can be fatal.
To pets
Foxglove is also highly toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to symptoms similar to those in humans, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. The cardiac glycosides present affect the heart's function and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly by a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and an unusual aesthetic with its unique split-flower form.
- Attracts Wildlife: Draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Garden Design: Ideal for cottage gardens, borders, and flower beds, providing structure and height.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good tolerance to dry conditions, reducing water usage.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest from spring to early summer with its flowering spikes.
- Pest Resistance: Resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, which helps to maintain garden aesthetics without additional interventions.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycosides: The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, contain substances that can improve cardiac contractility.
- Heart failure treatment: The cardiac glycosides, such as digoxin, are used to treat certain heart conditions by increasing the force of heart muscle contractions.
- Arrhythmia management: Foxglove-derived medications may also be prescribed to control the rate of heartbeats in patients with atrial fibrillation or other types of cardiac arrhythmias.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Textile Dyeing: The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as foxglove, can produce various shades of green when used as a natural dye in textile processing.
- Garden Photography: With its striking and unusual split flowers, foxglove can add a unique texture and color to garden photography, making it a favorite among photographers specializing in flora.
- Educational Use: Foxglove can serve as a teaching tool in botany classes to illustrate plant morphology, particularly the inflorescence and flower structure adaptations.
- Floral Arrangements: The tall and showy spikes of foxglove flowers are often used in large and dramatic floral arrangements for events and special occasions.
- Wildlife Attraction: Foxglove can be used in gardens designed to attract and support wildlife, particularly bees and other pollinators due to its copious nectar.
- Art Inspiration: The visually striking appearance of foxglove often serves as an inspiration for artists and can be found depicted in watercolor, oil paintings, and botanical illustrations.
- Culinary Presentation: While foxglove is not edible and can be toxic, its flowers can be used as a decorative accent on plates for high-end culinary presentations, as long as they are not consumed.
- Crafting: Dried foxglove flowers and seed pods can be used in various crafts such as wreath making, or as components in dried flower arrangements.
- Theatrical Props: Foxgloves, with their distinctive appearance, can be used as set decoration and props in theaters for productions that require a botanical backdrop or a fairy-tale setting.
- Garden Sentinels: Because of their height and commanding presence, foxgloves can be planted in rows to act as sentinels or borders in larger garden designs, guiding the eye and directing foot traffic.
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, has been used medicinally for centuries, particularly for heart conditions. Its symbolism of healing stems from the plant's real-world application in creating heart medications, such as digoxin.
- Bewitchment: Often associated with magic and witchcraft, Foxglove has a fabled connection to fairies and is thought to have mythical properties that could either heal or harm, hence symbolizing bewitchment.
- Insincerity: In the language of flowers, Foxglove sometimes represents insincerity, possibly due to its poisonous nature, which contrasts with its exterior beauty and therapeutic uses.
- Protection: Some myths suggest that Foxgloves protect homes and gardens from evil influences, which makes it a symbol of protection in folklore.
WaterFoxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Split') should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to partially dry out before the next watering. This often means providing about 1 inch of water per week, which translates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water more often than once a week, but always test the top inch of soil for moisture before adding water. In cooler temperatures or during periods of rainfall, reduce the frequency of watering. It's crucial to avoid waterlogging as foxglove prefers well-drained soil.
LightFoxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Split') flourishes best in partial shade with some sunlight, especially in the morning. An ideal spot would be an area that receives filtered light or a few hours of direct, but not harsh, sun exposure. Avoid planting it in deep shade or full, intense afternoon sun to prevent stress and promote healthy growth.
TemperatureFoxglove is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range, but it thrives best in conditions between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can endure minimum temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit without damage and maximum temperatures up to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit but typically prefers cooler climates. Avoid exposing the plant to extreme heat or frost to ensure its longevity and blooming potential.
PruningFoxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Split') often requires minimal pruning, mainly to remove spent flower stalks and to encourage a tidier appearance. By cutting back the faded flower spikes after blooming, you may stimulate a second round of blooms, but this is not guaranteed. Pruning should be done shortly after the flowers fade, typically in late summer or early fall. This not only improves the plant's look but also prevents unwanted self-seeding.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove 'Pam's Split' thrives in a well-draining soil mix, rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A blend of loam, peat, and sand or perlite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingFoxglove 'Pam's Split' is typically not repotted as it is a biennial plant. Instead, it is often sown directly where it is to flower or started in seed trays and then transplanted.
Humidity & MistingFoxgloves 'Pam's Split' prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions typical of outdoor environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temps for Foxgloves 'Pam's Split.'
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds for Foxglove 'Pam's Split.'
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleFoxglove 'Pam's Split' begins its life as a seed, which, once sown, will germinate in light and warm conditions. As the seedling emerges, it develops a rosette of leaves in its first year, concentrating on establishing a strong root system. In its second year, the plant sends up tall spikes adorned with distinctive, split, bell-shaped flowers that are purple-pink with interior spotted patterns. Pollination typically occurs through the action of bees and other pollinators, which helps to produce fertile seeds. Following flowering and seed production, the plant often dies back, as it is a biennial, completing its life cycle. However, Foxglove 'Pam's Split' may, in some cases, behave as a short-lived perennial, allowing for repeat performances in subsequent years if conditions are suitable.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating the common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea 'Pam's Split', is by seed. Sowing can be done either in late spring to early summer or in early autumn. Seeds should be scattered onto the surface of a well-draining soil mix in a flat or container and lightly pressed in. They require light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and in a location with indirect light and temperatures around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings usually emerge in 2 to 3 weeks and can be transplanted when they are large enough to handle.
