Foxglove Digitalis 'Silver Cub'
ABOUT
The Digitalis 'Silver Cub' is a variety of the common foxglove known for its striking appearance. Its foliage is a shimmering silver-gray color, which stands out in garden settings. The leaves are large, with a downy texture, and grow in a rosette pattern at the base of the plant. The foxglove's most distinctive feature is its bell-shaped flowers that grow on tall spikes. These flowers exhibit a beautiful gradient of colors, ranging from pale pinks to deep purples, with unique patterns of spots inside. Each individual flower is tubular and hangs downward, presenting a stately yet whimsical look. The overall appearance of the plant is one of elegance and visual interest, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking to introduce both texture and color contrast into their landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Silver Cub Foxglove
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Silver Cub'.
ToxicityTo humans
Foxglove, including the 'Silver Cub' variety, is highly toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, wild hallucinations, headaches, and a potentially fatal change in heart rate and rhythm. Ingesting any part of the foxglove plant can result in serious health consequences and requires immediate medical attention.
To pets
Foxglove is also highly toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. As with humans, all parts of the plant contain dangerous levels of cardiac glycosides. Symptoms in pets after ingesting foxglove may include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, and collapse. If left untreated, ingestion of foxglove can be fatal to pets, and urgent veterinary care is necessary if poisoning is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Digitalis 'Silver Cub' can attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, aiding in the pollination of other plants.
- Ornamental Value: With its striking silver-green foliage and tall spires of tubular flowers, this Foxglove variety provides aesthetic appeal.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a good level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for drier climates or water-conserving gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: Foxglove can tolerate partial shade, making it a versatile choice for garden spots that don't receive full sun.
- Deer Resistant: This plant is not palatable to deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden from grazing.
- Easy to Grow: Foxglove is known for being easy to cultivate, which makes it suitable for novice gardeners and those with less time for garden maintenance.
- Seasonal Interest: It can provide visual interest throughout its growing season, especially when in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The leaves of the foxglove can be used to produce various shades of green color when used as a dye for fabrics or paper.
- Photography: The tall and striking flower spikes of the foxglove can be used as a subject for botanical photography, contributing to plant identification guides and art.
- Educational tool: Foxglove can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, flower structure, and pollination processes.
- Timekeeping: Historically, some gardeners used foxglove's predictable flowering pattern to estimate time and seasonal progress.
- Musical inspiration: The beauty and poise of the foxglove have inspired composers and musicians to reference it in their works, celebrating its form in melodies and compositions.
- Folklore and storytelling: Foxglove is often used as an element in stories and myths, symbolizing both healing and harm, given its toxic properties alongside its traditional medicinal uses.
- Eco-printing: Leaves and flowers of the foxglove can be used for eco-printing, a sustainable art form that transfers the shapes and pigments of plants directly onto fabrics.
- Wildlife gardening: Planting foxglove helps create a habitat for pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, supporting local biodiversity.
- Tattoo design: Due to its distinctive shape, the foxglove flower is a popular choice for floral tattoo designs, symbolizing various meanings including fascination and insincerity.
- Culinary decoration: While not edible, the blossoms have been used for garnishing and decorating dishes in high-end culinary presentations to add visual appeal.
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: The generic name "Digitalis" comes from the plant's pharmaceutical use; digitalis is used to make heart medication. Therefore, it symbolizes healing, especially regarding heart conditions.
- Protection: In folklore, foxgloves (a common name for Digitalis) were believed to have magical properties that could ward off evil and protect those who carried them.
- Insincerity: Because of the plant's toxicity, it has been associated with deceit and insincerity. In the Victorian language of flowers, giving someone foxglove could imply a lack of trust.
- Pride: The erect nature of the foxglove's flowers can represent pride or ambition.
WaterFoxglove 'Silver Cub' prefers evenly moist soil, so watering should be done when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This usually means watering approximately once a week, but the frequency can vary depending on climate conditions and indoor environments. Generally, use about 1 gallon of water per plant to ensure deep watering, which promotes healthy root growth. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.
LightFoxglove 'Silver Cub' thrives best in partial shade, but can also tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade. The ideal spot would be an east-facing garden that gets a few hours of gentle sunlight and then is protected from the intense afternoon rays. Avoid placing the plant in full shade as this can result in leggy growth and poor flowering.
TemperatureFoxglove 'Silver Cub' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but performs best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F, and nighttime temperatures don't drop below 50°F. It is hardy and can survive temporary dips down to 20°F, but it is not suited for extreme and prolonged cold as it might not survive below 0°F. Always ensure that it's protected from harsh winter conditions.
PruningFoxglove 'Silver Cub' should be pruned to remove spent flower spikes, which encourages the plant to produce more blooms. Deadheading after the first flush of flowers can result in a second bloom period. Cut the flower stalk down to the base after flowering is complete to maintain a neat appearance. This is typically done in late summer or fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove 'Silver Cub' thrives best in moist, well-draining soil with added organic matter. A mix of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part sand or perlite is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0, to ensure optimal growth and flower production.
RepottingFoxglove 'Silver Cub' does not generally require frequent repotting due to its biennial nature. It can typically remain in the same pot or garden location for its 2-year lifecycle. However, if it is grown as a perennial in suitable climates, consider repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove 'Silver Cub' is tolerant of a range of humidity conditions and does not have specific humidity requirements, but it generally thrives in average room humidity levels. It is important to ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Foxglove 'Silver Cub' in bright, indirect light and keep moist.
Outdoor
Full to partial sun, shelter from strong winds, enrich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleFoxglove 'Silver Cub' begins its life as a seed, germinating in moist, well-drained soil in partial sunlight. After sprouting, the seedling grows into a rosette of silvery-gray leaves, during which it establishes a strong root system. The vegetative stage can last for one or more growing seasons, where the plant focuses on leaf and root development. Once mature, the foxglove 'Silver Cub' enters the flowering stage, producing tall spikes adorned with tubular flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules, which eventually release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. If conditions allow, the plant may reseed itself, beginning a new generation, or it may survive as a perennial, depending on the climate and care provided.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Digitalis 'Silver Cub', commonly known as Foxglove, is typically propagated through seeds. The best time to sow Foxglove seeds is in late spring to early summer, after the danger of frost has passed, or in the early fall where climates allow for a winter dormancy period. To propagate using seeds, you should start by sowing them on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix. Light is necessary for germination, so the seeds should not be covered with soil but may be gently pressed into the mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and maintain a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings usually emerge within 2 to 3 weeks. Transplant the seedlings into the garden once they have developed a couple of true leaves and are sturdy enough to handle.
