Foxglove Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley'
ABOUT
'The Shirley' is a captivating plant belonging to the Foxglove family, known for its striking and charming flowers. The plant showcases tall spikes decorated with tubular blossoms which gradient from pink to purple hues, often displaying speckled throats with deeper-colored spots. These bell-shaped flowers gracefully hang somewhat downwards, creating a magnificent display of color and form. The foliage of 'The Shirley' is a lush green color, contributing a full and verdant base for the towering blooms. Each leaf is softly textured, with a slightly serrated edge adding further intricacy to the plant's overall appearance. The attractiveness of this variety lies in its bold yet traditional flower shape and the way its blooms cluster along the stem, giving off an elegant and stately presence in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Common Foxglove, Purple Foxglove, Lady's Glove
Common names
Digitalis purpurea 'The Shirley'
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
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- Attracts pollinators â 'The Shirley' serves to attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, which is beneficial for the pollination of many other plants.
- Aesthetic appeal â With its tall spikes of tubular pink and purple flowers, 'The Shirley' adds dramatic height and color to garden beds and borders.
- Long blooming period â This plant provides flowers from late spring to early summer, offering a prolonged display of its striking blooms.
- Wildlife habitat â The foliage of 'The Shirley' can offer shelter to small wildlife, while the flowers provide a nectar source for insects.
- Historical Interest â As a classic garden plant with a long history of cultivation, 'The Shirley' contributes a traditional touch to garden designs.
- Low maintenance â Once established, 'The Shirley' typically requires minimal care other than deadheading to maintain its appearance and prevent self-sowing if desired.
- Vertical interest â The flower spikes provide vertical interest in the garden, which can be used to contrast with lower-growing plants and groundcovers.
- Tolerance for challenging conditions â 'The Shirley' can grow in a range of conditions and is particularly tolerant of partial shade, where many other sun-loving blooms may fail.
Medical Properties- Cardiac Glycosides: Digitalis is known for its cardiac glycosides which can affect heart function, particularly for treating certain heart conditions.
- Heart Rate Regulation: The active ingredients in Digitalis can be used to increase the force of heart contractions and regulate heart rate.
- Heart Failure Treatment: It may be used under medical supervision for the treatment of some forms of heart failure.
- Atrial Fibrillation Management: Digitalis can help to control the heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Digitalis purpurea 'The Shirley', commonly known as Foxglove, can be used in educational settings for plant biology studies due to its distinct morphological features, such as its bell-shaped flowers and speckled patterns.
- Foxglove can act as a natural pest deterrent in gardens because some pests are repelled by its toxic properties.
- The vertical growth habit and tall flower spikes of Foxglove can be used to create visual interest and height in floral photography and garden design.
- The dried flowers of Foxglove can be included in potpourri mixes for their interesting shape and contribution to the texture of the arrangement.
- Artists and illustrators may use Foxglove as a subject in botanical art due to its vibrant colors and intricate flower patterns.
- Foxglove can be used in the practice of companion planting to attract pollinators, such as bees and hummingbirds, to gardens, aiding the pollination of nearby plants.
- Used in dye-making, Foxglove can provide varying shades of green and brown depending on the mordant used, adding a natural color to textiles.
- The plant's tall and conspicuous floral stalks can be used as natural stakes for supporting other, more delicate or drooping plants in the garden.
- Foxglove is sometimes incorporated into wildlife gardens designed to provide shelter and food resources for birds and beneficial insects.
- In folklore and storytelling, Foxglove is often associated with fairies and woodland spirits; it can be used to create whimsical and themed garden spaces that evoke a sense of enchantment.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Foxglove is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Foxglove is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, has medicinal properties that have been used in treating heart conditions; thus, it often represents healing.
- Toxicity: Despite its medicinal uses, Foxglove is also highly toxic, symbolizing both the dual nature of medicine (healing and harm) and caution.
- Insincerity: In the language of flowers, or floriography, Foxglove sometimes represents insincerity, due to its toxic nature contrasting with its striking appearance.
- Protection: The tall and impressive spikes of Foxglove can evoke a sense of guarding or protection, similar to the way it was traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits.
WaterFoxglove 'The Shirley' requires consistent moisture but does not like to sit in waterlogged soil. Generally, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about one to two gallons depending on soil conditions and climate. The actual frequency may need to be increased during periods of hot, dry weather or reduced if rainfall is abundant. It's critical not to let the soil dry out completely but also to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, and aim for moist but not soggy soil.
LightFoxglove 'The Shirley' thrives in partial sunlight to light shade. The best spot is one where the plant is shielded from the intense afternoon sun but still receives bright, indirect light in the morning or late afternoon. A location with dappled sunlight, such as under a deciduous tree, can be ideal, as it reproduces the plant's natural woodland habitat.
TemperatureFoxglove 'The Shirley' prefers cool to moderate temperatures and will typically flourish when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive brief periods of colder weather, down to about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but it should be protected from frost. Hot temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so it's vital to provide some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the summer.
PruningFoxglove 'The Shirley' should be pruned to remove spent flower spikes after blooming, which can encourage a second flush of smaller blooms. Deadheading the wilted flowers before they set seed will also conserve the plant's energy. It can be pruned back to the basal rosette in late autumn as the foliage begins to die back or in early spring before new growth begins, to keep the plant tidy and healthy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxgloves thrive best in well-draining, moist, rich soil with pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.0). A mix of loam, peat, and sand can provide the appropriate texture and fertility.
RepottingFoxgloves typically do not require frequent repotting as they are biennial plants. Repotting may be needed if the soil is exhausted or if they are grown as perennials, generally every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingFoxgloves prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable; however, they do not thrive in very high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light and ensure soil drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleFoxglove 'The Shirley' starts its life as a seed, typically germinating in cool temperatures of early spring or late fall. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of leaves at ground level during their first year of growth. In the second year, the plant sends up a tall flower spike with tubular, bell-shaped flowers that range in color from purple to white with speckled throats. After pollination by bees and other insects attracted to the flowers' vivid coloring and nectar, the plant produces small capsule-like fruits containing numerous tiny seeds. Once seeds are dispersed, the biennial plant typically dies, having completed its life cycle, though it can self-sow to perpetuate new generations. In some cases, with proper conditions and management, Foxglove 'The Shirley' may behave as a short-lived perennial, potentially flowering for a few consecutive years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The common name for Digitalis purpurea (Gloxinioides Group) 'The Shirley' is Foxglove, and it is most often propagated by seed. The best time to sow Foxglove seeds is late spring to early summer when the soil temperature is around 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 degrees Celsius). Sow the seeds directly onto the surface of pre-moistened soil in a seed tray or flat, then lightly press them into the soil without covering them as they require light to germinate. Place the tray in a warm, bright area but out of direct sunlight to maintain an even temperature. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and germination should occur within 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final growing positions in the garden.
