Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble'
ABOUT
'Snow Thimble' is a biennial, 1m high, with overwintering rosettes of green leaves and spikes of pale cream buds opening to pure white flowers, with only very pale speckles, in early summer; wild native foxgloves are a reliably good source of nectar for bumblebees, especially long-tongued bumblebees, and some but not all garden cultivars may also be good bumblebee plants
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Foxglove, Lady's Glove, Witches' Gloves, Dead Men's Bells, Fairy Cap, Thimble Flower, Folk's Glove, Fairy Thimbles
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble'.
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: Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, supporting local ecosystems.
- Aesthetic appeal: The plant's white bell-shaped flowers add elegance and beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Tall structure: Its height can provide a dramatic backdrop for lower-growing plants in a garden design.
- Cottage garden classic: Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' is a traditional choice for cottage-style gardens, contributing to a charming and rustic look.
- Shade tolerance: It can grow in partially shaded areas where other flowering plants might not thrive.
- Biennial lifecycle: The plant has a two-year lifecycle, providing interest in the garden across multiple seasons.
- Self-seeding: Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' can self-seed under the right conditions, leading to natural propagation in the garden.
- Wildlife habitat: The plant provides shelter and nesting opportunities for small wildlife like birds.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycosides: Digitalis purpurea contains substances such as digitoxin that have a beneficial effect on heart function by increasing the force of cardiac contraction without increasing heart rate.
- Heart failure treatment: Extracts from the plant are used in pharmaceuticals to treat certain conditions such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure by improving cardiac efficiency and regulating the heartbeat.
- Diuretic effects: Compounds in the plant can enhance diuresis, which helps to reduce fluid buildup in conditions like congestive heart failure.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' with its elegant white flowers is a popular subject for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of a traditional cottage garden.
- Fairy Gardens: Enthusiasts of fairy and miniature gardens use the tall spires of Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble' to create a whimsical, forest-like setting suitable for a fairy habitat.
- Textile Dyeing: Although not a common use, the leaves of Digitalis purpurea may provide varying shades of green when used as a natural dye for wool or other natural fibers.
- Artistic Inspiration: The distinctive shape and color of Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' have inspired artists to include them in botanical illustrations and garden landscape paintings.
- Literary Symbolism: Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' is sometimes referenced in literature and poetry to symbolize both healing (despite excluding medical properties) and deceit, due to its toxic nature.
- Educational Tool: Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' is utilized in education about plant life cycles and pollination, particularly their relationship with bees.
- Garden Contrast: Due to its light-colored blooms, Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble' is often used to create contrast in darker or foliage-heavy areas of the garden.
- Memento Mori: In historical times, Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' might have been included in momentos or vanitas artwork as a symbol of both life and its fleeting nature.
- Wildlife Photography: The plant is also a favorite among wildlife photographers as it attracts bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators which make for dynamic photo subjects.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Foxglove 'Snow Thimble' can be incorporated into floral arrangements for events and celebrations that occur during its blooming season, especially as a symbol of purity due to its white blossoms.
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 and protection: Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, has medicinal properties, particularly in heart medicine. Its symbolism of healing stems from its use in treating heart conditions.
- Bewitchment and magic: Historically, Foxgloves are associated with fairy tales and folklore, often believed to have magical attributes and to attract fairies.
- Inspiration: Due to its impressive height and the bell-shaped flowers of 'Snow Thimble', the plant can symbolize inspiration, encouraging individuals to reach for their aspirations.
- Intuition: Some believe that Foxgloves can enhance intuition and inner knowing, possibly because of their association with the mystical and magical.
WaterFoxgloves, including 'Snow Thimble', prefer consistent moisture, but it's crucial to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Water the plant deeply every week, providing about one to one and a half gallons of water, ensuring that you wet the soil thoroughly, not just the surface. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Cut back on watering during the winter when the plant is not actively growing. Always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not soggy.
LightFoxgloves thrive best in partial shade, but they can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. For 'Snow Thimble', choose a spot where the plant is shielded from the intense afternoon sun to prevent scorching of the leaves. Dappled sunlight under a canopy of trees or an eastern exposure where the plant gets morning sun and afternoon shade are ideal lighting conditions for optimal growth.
TemperatureFoxgloves are hardy plants and 'Snow Thimble' can withstand a wide range of temperatures. They can survive in temperatures as low as 5°F in the winter and as high as 80°F in the summer. The ideal temperature for promoting lush growth and vibrant blooms is between 60°F and 75°F. Make sure to protect the plants from extreme cold by mulching around the base in colder zones.
PruningPrune 'Snow Thimble' foxgloves to maintain plant health and encourage a second bloom. Deadhead spent flowers promptly to promote new blossoms and to prevent self-seeding, especially if you want to avoid naturalization. Cut back the central flower spike after blooming to encourage side shoots and a more bushy appearance. Pruning is typically done after the first flowering wave, which is usually in early to mid-summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove 'Snow Thimble' thrives in well-draining, moist, organic-rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mix of loam, peat, and coarse sand in equal parts would provide optimal conditions for its growth.
RepottingFoxglove 'Snow Thimble' does not typically require frequent repotting as it is a biennial plant. It is usually sown directly where it is to flower or repotted only when overcrowding is observed in its initial growing pot.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove 'Snow Thimble' prefers moderate humidity conditions. While it does not require a highly humid environment, ensuring consistent ambient moisture without waterlogging will promote healthy growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, keep moist, and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade to sun, ensure soil is fertile and well-drained.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleDigitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble', commonly known as Foxglove, begins its life cycle as a seed that requires stratification to germinate. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and establish a basal rosette of leaves during their first year as a biennial. In the second year, Foxglove produces a tall flowering spike with tubular white flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering and pollination, the plant sets seed, which are dispersed by wind or gravity. Following seed dispersal, the parent plant typically dies, completing its biennial lifecycle. However, if conditions are not suitable for flowering in the second year or if the plant is perennial in its regional adaptation, the rosette stage can persist for another year before sending up a flower spike.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Digitalis purpurea 'Snow Thimble', commonly known as the Foxglove, is most popularly propagated through seeds. The best time to sow Foxglove seeds is late spring to early summer or even into fall. Seeds should be scattered on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix and lightly pressed into the soil but not covered, as they need light to germinate. It generally takes about two to three weeks for Foxglove seeds to germinate at temperatures around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21°C). Watering should be done gently to avoid washing away the tiny seeds. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or spaced appropriately in the garden.
