Grecian Foxglove Digitalis lanata
ABOUT
Digitalis lanata, commonly known as woolly foxglove, is a visually striking plant known for its unique and interesting features. The plant has a rosette of oblong or lance-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and have a distinctive woolly texture, particularly on the undersides. These leaves tend to be finely toothed along the edges. The flower spikes are particularly dramatic and eye-catching. On these tall spikes, the blooms are arranged densely in a tubular fashion. The flowers themselves are an intriguing mix of colors: creamy white to pale yellow, often with an interior spotted with brown or purple. These spots serve as nectar guides for pollinators. The flowers also have a characteristic shape, with a prominent lower lip that adds to their ornamental appeal. Woolly foxglove is unique with its extended upper lip, giving the buds an elongated appearance before they fully open. Adding to its striking appearance, this plant produces a fruit that is an egg-shaped capsule, containing numerous tiny seeds. These seeds are vital for the propagation of the plant, ensuring its survival and spread in suitable environments.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Grecian Foxglove, Woolly Digitalis, Woolly Foxglove
Common names
Digitalis orientalis, Digitalis smirnowii.
ToxicityTo humans
Digitalis lanata, commonly known as Woolly Foxglove, is a toxic plant when ingested due to its content of cardiac glycosides. These glycosides, particularly digoxin, can have serious effects on the human cardiovascular system. Symptoms of Woolly Foxglove poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, confusion, loss of appetite, and potentially life-threatening cardiac problems such as disturbances in heart rhythm, potentially leading to heart failure. Immediate medical attention is necessary if poisoning is suspected.
To pets
Woolly Foxglove is also toxic to pets, containing cardiac glycosides that can affect their heart function. If a pet ingests any part of the plant, they may exhibit signs of poisoning including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, and collapse. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to death. Urgent veterinary care is crucial if a pet is suspected to have ingested Woolly Foxglove.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Economic value: Digitalis lanata, known as Grecian foxglove, is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a source of digoxin, a compound used to manufacture heart medications.
- Ornamental use: With its striking flowers and tall spires, it can add height and visual interest in a garden or as part of a floral arrangement.
- Pollinator attraction: The flowers of Grecian foxglove attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the surrounding ecosystem.
- Educational purpose: It can be used for educational purposes in botany and pharmaceutical studies due to its interesting chemical properties and uses.
- Natural insect repellent: Some gardeners use Grecian foxglove as a companion plant to deter certain insects from the garden due to its toxic properties.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycosides production: Digitalis lanata contains compounds that are used to manufacture heart medication, particularly for treating heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Positive inotropic effect: Active substances from the plant, such as digoxin, increase the force of heart muscle contractions, helping to improve heart function.
- Rate control in atrial fibrillation: Digoxin derived from Digitalis lanata is employed to control the heart rate in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Digitalis lanata leaves can be used to produce a greenish-yellow dye for textiles.
- Garden Design: With its tall spires of flowers, Digitalis lanata is a popular choice for adding vertical accents in ornamental gardens.
- Wildlife Attractant: The plant can attract pollinators such as bees, which are essential for the pollination of many other plants.
- Erosion Control: Digitalis lanata, when planted in groups, can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes.
- Education and Research: It is used in botanical studies to demonstrate plant biology and the principles of natural compound extraction.
- Photography: The striking appearance of Digitalis lanata makes it a subject of choice for botanical photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Cultural Symbolism: In certain cultures, it has been regarded as a symbol of insincerity, possibly due to the toxicity of its compounds.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unique form of Digitalis lanata inspires artists and can be found in various forms of art, such as paintings and sculptures.
- Indicator Species: Digitalis lanata can sometimes be used as an indicator species for certain soil conditions, such as calcareous soils.
- Habitat Creation: By planting Digitalis lanata, gardeners can create habitats for insect species that are specialized to feed on this plant.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Woolly Foxglove is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Woolly Foxglove is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing: The most common common name of Digitalis lanata is "Woolly Foxglove." As a source of the heart medication digoxin, Woolly Foxglove symbolizes healing, particularly regarding heart conditions.
- Protection: Traditional folklore suggests that foxgloves can ward off evil influences, thus symbolizing protection.
- Insincerity: In the Victorian language of flowers, foxgloves were sometimes associated with insincerity or a false sense of security.
- Magical: Foxgloves have a rich lore in magic and fairy tales, often believed to be used by fairies and thus symbolize a connection to the magical world.
WaterThe Woolly Foxglove should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. A thorough watering once a week using approximately a gallon of water is ideal during active growth in spring and summer. In winter, reduce the watering frequency to every other week or when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, using less water, about half a gallon, as the plant's growth slows. Always adjust the amount and frequency of watering based on the plant's environment, soil drainage, and weather conditions.
LightWoolly Foxglove prefers partial shade to full sun. The plant will thrive in an area that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in deep shade or in locations where the hot afternoon sun may scorch the leaves, thus an eastern or northern exposure is often ideal.
TemperatureWoolly Foxglove grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F but can tolerate a range from 40°F to 80°F. The plant may not survive extreme heat or prolonged temperatures below freezing. To encourage vigorous growth, ensure it is positioned away from drafty windows or heating vents that could cause abrupt temperature changes.
PruningWoolly Foxglove benefits from pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune the plant after blooming by removing spent flower spikes, which encourages a second flush of flowers. Do this annually or biannually, depending on the plant's appearance and health, and always prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWoolly Foxglove, or Digitalis lanata, thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of loam, peat, and sand that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is suitable for optimal growth. Amend the soil with compost before planting to ensure nutrients are available for the plant's development.
RepottingWoolly Foxglove plants generally do not require frequent repotting. They can be replanted every two to three years or when they outgrow their current pot. Repotting should be done in the spring to allow the plant to establish in the new container before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingThe Woolly Foxglove prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of what is found in many home environments. Aim to maintain humidity levels between 40-60% for optimal growth, avoiding overly dry air that may cause leaf tips to brown.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Woolly Foxglove in bright, indirect light and ensure good airflow indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Woolly Foxglove in partial shade and protect from strong winds outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDigitalis lanata, commonly known as Grecian foxglove, initiates its life cycle as seeds, which germinate when conditions are favorable, ideally in partially shaded environments. The seedlings develop into a rosette of leaves during their first year, focusing on vegetative growth and establishing a strong root system. In the second year, the plant sends up a tall spike, known as the inflorescence, with numerous tubular flowers that are visually appealing and adapted for pollination by insects, particularly bees. After pollination, the flowers produce small capsule-like fruits containing many seeds that, when mature, disperse to start a new generation. Over winter, the plant dies back, completing its biennial cycle, but leaving behind seeds to ensure its continued presence in the ecosystem. While Grecian foxglove can persist through self-seeding, it may also spread through division or cuttings taken by gardeners for propagation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Foxglove (Digitalis lanata) is most commonly propagated using seed. The best time for sowing foxglove seeds is usually in late spring to early summer after the danger of frost has passed. The seeds are very small and are best surface sown, lightly pressed into the soil since they require light for germination. Providing a consistent temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius) and maintaining a moist but not waterlogged environment will aid in successful germination. Once seedlings appear, which can take two to three weeks, they can be carefully transplanted to their final growing positions when they are large enough to handle and after being acclimated to outdoor conditions.
