Foxglove Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as foxglove 'Sutton's Apricot' features a striking appearance with its signature bell-shaped flowers. These blossoms come in a delicate apricot hue, blending soft pinkish-orange tones that bring a warm, gentle color to any garden setting. The flowers are arranged neatly in a dense cluster along a singular, upright spike that rises elegantly amongst the green foliage. The plant's leaves are large and downy, with a slightly furry texture, presenting a rich, dark green shade that contrasts nicely against the lighter colored flowers. Its foliage forms a rosette at the base from which the flowering spike, or stem, emerges. The overall aesthetic of 'Sutton's Apricot' is one of classic beauty with its traditional foxglove flower shape, yet it is set apart by the unique pastel-like quality of its floral tones, offering an enchanting visual to admirers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae.
Synonyms
Common Foxglove, Purple Foxglove, Lady's Glove, Fairy Bells, Fairy Fingers, Fairy Thimbles, Witches' Bells, Witches' Fingers, Witches' Gloves, Dead Men's Bells, Bloody Fingers, Virgin's Glove, Gloves Of Our Lady, Fairy Cap, Fairy Petticoats, Poppy-Finger, Folk's Glove, Lion's Mouth, Throatwort.
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot'.
ToxicityTo humans
Foxglove is highly toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to severe poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, confusion, weakness, visual disturbances, and irregular heart rate or palpitations. Severe cases can lead to cardiac arrest and potentially be fatal if not treated promptly.
To pets
Foxglove is also highly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Ingesting even a small amount of this plant can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, tremors, seizures, and possibly death. Urgent veterinary care is crucial if ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Apricot
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 'Sutton's Apricot' is known to attract bees and other pollinating insects, which are vital for the pollination of many other plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The plant's tall spikes of tubular apricot-pink flowers add height and a striking visual element to garden borders and landscapes.
- Cottage Garden Style: It is a classic choice for creating or enhancing a traditional cottage garden aesthetic.
- Shade Tolerance: Foxglove 'Sutton's Apricot' is capable of growing in partial shade, making it suitable for planting under trees or in shadowed areas of a garden.
- Biennial Lifecycle: Being a biennial, it provides two years of interest, with foliage growth in the first year and flowering in the second year.
- Seasonal Interest: The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, providing color and interest during this time period.
- Naturalization: Foxglove 'Sutton's Apricot' can self-seed under optimal conditions, creating a naturalized look in the garden over time.
- Vertical Interest: The tall flower spikes can be used to create vertical layers in garden design, adding depth and dimension to planting schemes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides a natural habitat and food source for various insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Deer Resistance: Foxgloves are generally resistant to deer, which can be advantageous in areas where deer browsing is a problem for gardeners.
Medical Properties- Heart medication: Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, contains digitoxin which is used in medications to strengthen cardiac contraction and regulate heart rate.
- Treatment of heart failure: The chemicals extracted from Foxglove are used to create drugs like digoxin (Lanoxin) for the treatment of various heart conditions including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Foxglove's dried flowers can be used to create natural dyes, adding a range of subtle apricot and pink colors to fabrics and yarns.
- The plant's tall and striking flower spikes make it a useful addition to creating vertical accent in floral arrangements and garden landscapes.
- The crushed leaves of Foxglove, when rubbed on rough skin, have been traditionally used as a herbal rough skin smoothing agent, due to their coarse texture.
- Substances from the plant can be used as a coloring agent in some craft projects such as tinting paper or adding hues to natural paints.
- The presence of Foxglove in a garden can help attract pollinators like bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies, thus supporting local biodiversity.
- Foxglove, when planted in overgrazed areas, can discourage certain wildlife and livestock from overeating native plants, as it is not palatable for many animals.
- The plant is sometimes included in "Fairy Gardens" due to its association with folklore and belief that it attracts fairies.
- In photography and painting, Foxglove is utilized for its aesthetic appeal, especially Sutton's Apricot variety with its soft peach-pink color, providing a beautiful backdrop or focal point.
- Apart from being used in live gardens, Foxglove can be effectively used in virtual landscape design software to enhance the visual appeal of virtual gardens.
- Foxglove, especially varieties with unique coloration like Sutton's Apricot, can be a valuable educational tool in botany classes for teaching about the diversity within plant species.
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, contains digitalin, which is used in heart medications. Thus, it symbolizes healing, particularly of heart conditions.
- Bewitchment: Foxglove is associated with fairy lore and magic, often believed to attract fairies and having bewitching properties.
- Protection: In folklore, Foxglove was thought to protect homes and gardens from evil influences.
- Insincerity: Due to its toxic nature, despite having medicinal properties, Foxglove can also represent insincerity or false trust.
WaterFoxgloves prefer consistently moist soil, so water the Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot' deeply enough to saturate the root zone, and then allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Typically, watering once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant is sufficient, but this may vary based on climate and soil conditions. During the hotter, drier months, the frequency may need to increase to twice a week. Overwatering can cause issues such as root rot, so ensure good drainage and do not let the plant sit in water.
LightFoxgloves thrive in partial shade to full sun conditions. Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot' will do best in a spot that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. Dappled sunlight under tall trees is also ideal, as it mimics their natural woodland habitat.
TemperatureFoxgloves are hardy in a range of temperatures, with the Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot' being able to survive winter temperatures down to about 0 °F. They prefer a temperate climate with average temperatures between 60 to 70 °F during the growing season. Extreme heat above 90 °F may stress the plant, so consider providing afternoon shade in hotter regions.
PruningPruning foxgloves, such as Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot', involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage more blooms and to prevent excessive self-seeding. After blooming, cut back the flower stalks unless you want the plant to self-seed. Pruning is best done in late summer or fall, after the plant has finished flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove 'Sutton's Apricot' prefers a well-drained, moist soil with plenty of organic matter. An ideal soil mix might consist of equal parts loam, peat or leaf mold, and coarse sand to ensure good drainage. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingFoxglove 'Sutton's Apricot' is typically a biennial plant, meaning it usually completes its lifecycle in two years. It does not need frequent repotting as it is commonly sown directly into the ground where it is to flower. If started in containers, repotting should be done every spring into larger pots until it is time to transfer them outside.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove 'Sutton's Apricot' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require high humidity. Average room humidity should be suitable, but it's important to ensure good air circulation to prevent issues like powdery mildew.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleFoxglove 'Sutton's Apricot' starts its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in late spring or early summer, germinates in two to three weeks. Seedlings grow and develop a rosette of downy, oblong leaves through the first year, during which time they need to establish a strong root system. In their second year, the plants send up a tall flower spike with tubular, apricot-pink flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be collected or allowed to self-sow, ensuring the continuation of the population. The parent plant, being a biennial, usually dies after seed production, completing its life cycle. However, if conditions are favorable, some plants may behave as short-lived perennials, producing flowers for a few years before eventually dying.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for Digitalis purpurea 'Sutton's Apricot', commonly known as the Foxglove, is through seed. Seeds are best sown in late spring or early summer. To propagate Foxgloves, scatter the tiny seeds on the surface of a moist, well-drained seed-starting mix in a flat or container. They need light to germinate, so the seeds should not be covered with soil. The container should then be placed in a warm, bright location but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually takes about 2 to 3 weeks. After seedlings have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden, being careful to space them 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to accommodate their mature size.
