Foxglove Digitalis purpurea 'Serendipity'
ABOUT
Digitalis purpurea 'Serendipity', commonly known as foxglove, is a striking flowering plant known for its eye-catching display. The plant features tall, upright spikes that are adorned with cascading bell-shaped flowers. These blooms are arranged in a dense, one-sided cluster along the spike and vary in color from shades of purple to pink, often speckled with dots inside, which add to their ornamental appeal. Foxglove's foliage consists of large, ovate to oblong leaves that form a rosette at the plant's base. The leaves are a deep green color and have a slightly furry texture, which is especially noticeable when touched. Each leaf has a finely toothed margin, contributing to its textured appearance. The flowers of the foxglove 'Serendipity' are particularly known for their tubular shape and the slightly drooping nature of the plant's inflorescence, giving it a gentle and alluring aspect in garden settings. Additionally, the plant is often visited by bees and hummingbirds that are attracted to its vivid colors and the nectar that the flowers produce, adding a dynamic aspect to its presence in the landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae.
Synonyms
Common Foxglove, Purple Foxglove, Lady's Glove, Witches’ Gloves, Dead Men’s Bells, Thimbles, Fairy Cap, Fairy Finger.
Common names
Digitalis purpurea.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Digitalis purpurea is foxglove. Foxglove is highly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides which can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, weakness, and vision changes. Crucially, it can lead to cardiac problems such as irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, and can potentially result in cardiac arrest. Medical attention should be sought immediately if foxglove ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Foxglove is equally toxic to pets as it is to humans. Ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to poisoning with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, and possibly death. Pets may also exhibit signs such as drooling, abdominal pain, severe heart rhythm disturbances, and seizures. As with humans, foxglove contains cardiac glycosides, which are dangerous and can be fatal for pets. Immediate veterinary care is critical if a pet is suspected to have ingested foxglove.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Digitalis 'Serendipity' is known for attracting bees and other pollinating insects, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Adds Vertical Interest: With its tall spikes of flowers, it provides vertical interest to a garden bed or border.
- Colorful Blooms: The plant produces vibrant, tubular flowers that add a splash of color to the landscape.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms in late spring to early summer, filling a seasonal gap with its picturesque flowers.
- Cottage Garden Aesthetic: Fits in well with the informal, traditional look of cottage gardens.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and nesting sites for certain bird species.
- Shade Tolerance: Able to grow in partially shaded areas where other sun-loving plants might not thrive.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycosides content: The leaves of Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, contain cardiac glycosides like digitoxin and digoxin, which have been used in the treatment of heart conditions.
- Heart rate regulation: It has historically been used to regulate heart rate in patients with certain heart conditions.
- Heart failure treatment: The active compounds have been utilized in medication to treat congestive heart failure.
- Arrhythmia management: Its derivatives have also been important in the management of certain cardiac arrhythmias.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Indicator of soil health: Foxglove, being sensitive to soil conditions, can help gardeners assess the health and fertility of their garden soil based on its growth and blooming patterns.
- Photography subject: The striking appearance of the foxglove, with its tall spikes and bell-shaped flowers, makes it a favorite subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Dye production: The leaves of the foxglove can be used to create a greenish-brown dye for textiles.
- Insect attraction: Foxglove flowers produce nectar that can attract bees and other pollinating insects, providing a food source for the local ecosystem.
- Education and research: Due to its interesting genetic makeup and ceremonial uses in history, foxglove can be used in educational settings for botany and horticulture students.
- Garden aesthetics: Foxglove's tall, colorful flower spikes can be used to add vertical interest and a dramatic effect to garden landscapes.
- Theme gardens: Foxgloves work well in "cottage garden" or "fairy garden" themes due to their traditional and whimsical appearance.
- Backdrops for smaller plants: In mixed flower beds, foxgloves can provide an elegant backdrop for shorter flowering plants.
- Biodegradable plant markers: Stalks of dried foxglove can be written on and used as natural, biodegradable plant markers in the garden.
- Seasonal decoration: The dried seed heads of foxglove can be included in flower arrangements or used for fall and winter decorations due to their unique texture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Foxglove is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityFoxglove is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The most common common name of Digitalis purpurea 'Serendipity' is Foxglove. Historically, the foxglove plant is associated with healing because of its use in medicine to strengthen cardiac function and treat heart problems.
- Toxicity: Despite its medicinal uses, the plant is also highly toxic if ingested improperly. This symbolism reminds of the fine line between medicine and poison, representing caution and the dual nature of many plants.
- Protection: Folklore suggests that foxgloves were thought to repel evil, protect homes, and have a connection with fairies. Due to its bell-shaped flowers, it was believed that foxgloves could ward off negative forces.
- Insincerity: In the language of flowers, foxglove sometimes represents insincerity or a false sense of security, likely arising from its poisonous characteristics coupled with its beautiful appearance.
WaterThe common name for Digitalis purpurea 'Serendipity' is Foxglove 'Serendipity'. It is important to water this plant deeply, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Typically, Foxglove 'Serendipity' should be watered once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, but this can vary according to weather conditions; during hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary. It's crucial to avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and watering should be done at the base of the plant. Monitor the soil moisture level regularly and adjust your watering schedule to maintain consistent soil moisture.
LightFoxglove 'Serendipity' thrives best in partial sun to light shade. It should be placed in a location where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as too much direct sunlight may cause the leaves to scorch. An ideal spot would be under the dappled light of open trees or on the east or north side of buildings where it will be protected from the harsh afternoon sun.
TemperatureFoxglove 'Serendipity' is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures but performs best in cooler conditions between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Foxgloves prefer cooler temperatures and may not thrive in very hot climates, especially if temperatures frequently exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Foxglove 'Serendipity' involves the removal of spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming and to prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively. Prune immediately after the first flush of flowers fade, which is usually in early summer. Also, remove any damaged or diseased foliage as soon as it is noticed. Pruning can be done once a year or after each flowering cycle as needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove 'Serendipity' thrives in well-draining, moist soil rich in organic matter, with an optimal soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost or peat is ideal for providing the necessary nutrients and drainage.
RepottingFoxglove 'Serendipity' seldom needs repotting as it is a biennial plant. Usually, it is sown, flowers the following year, and then dies after seed set, so regular repotting is not required for its growth cycle.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove 'Serendipity' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions as long as it is not waterlogged or too dry. It does not require any special humidity considerations beyond natural outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleDigitalis purpurea 'Serendipity', commonly known as foxglove, starts its life as a seed, which requires stratification or cold treatment to germinate effectively. After germination in early spring, the seedlings grow into a rosette of leaves in their first year, establishing a strong root system. In its second year, the plant sends up a tall spike with tubular, bell-shaped flowers that range in colors from purple to white, which are typically pollinated by bees. Once pollination occurs, the flowers develop into seed pods that release seeds when mature, ensuring the propagation of the next generation. The parent plant often dies after seeding, completing its biennial life cycle, but some plants may persist for several years, producing more flower spikes. Throughout its life, foxglove prefers well-drained soil and partial sun to shade, and while it is beautiful, all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating Digitalis purpurea 'Serendipity', commonly known as foxglove, is by seed. Sow the tiny seeds in late spring to early summer onto the surface of a well-drained seed-starting mix and gently press them into the soil, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes 2-3 weeks at a temperature of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be thinned and transplanted to individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and eventually moved outdoors once all danger of frost has passed.
