Fringed Foxglove Digitalis ciliata
ABOUT
Digitalis ciliata, commonly known as the fringed foxglove, is a perennial flowering plant well-regarded for its striking blooms. Its beauty lies in its inflorescence, which consists of tubular flowers that hang elegantly from a central spike. These flowers are distinctively shaped, with a bell-like form that is constricted at the mouth and flares out into a broad, fringed lip. The fringed foxglove displays a color palette that typically includes soft yellows, with subtle gradations that may lead to a creamy off-white at the petal edges. The flowers are adorned inside with delicate spots or marbling that offers a pleasing contrast, drawing pollinators and the gazes of passersby. The foliage of the fringed foxglove forms a basal rosette of leaves which are simple, elongated and taper to a point, with serrated or softly toothed edges that provide textural interest. These leaves tend to have a somewhat furry texture, which adds to the plant's overall charm. The plant possesses an overall eye-catching appearance that makes it a favorite among garden enthusiasts for adding a touch of wild elegance to a landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Fringed Foxglove, Turkish Foxglove.
Common names
Digitalis ciliata.
ToxicityTo humans
Digitalis ciliata, commonly known as foxglove, contains cardiac glycosides that are toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to digitalis toxicity. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, weakness, vision changes, and cardiac abnormalities such as irregular heart rate, which can be life-threatening. Severe poisoning can result in heart failure and death.
To pets
Foxglove is also toxic to pets, as it contains cardiac glycosides. If pets ingest any part of the plant, they may show symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, collapse, and possibly death. It is important to prevent pets from accessing foxglove plants due to their high level of toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Turkey
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Attraction: Digitalis ciliata is known to attract pollinators such as bees, which are crucial for the pollination of many other plants.
- Garden Aesthetics: With its tall spikes of flowers, Digitalis ciliata adds height and visual interest to garden beds and borders.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Digitalis ciliata is relatively drought tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Erosion Control: The roots of Digitalis ciliata can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Habitat Enrichment: By providing nectar and habitat, Digitalis ciliata can contribute to a richer, more diverse ecosystem in the area it is planted.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycoside source: Digitalis ciliata contains cardiac glycosides which are used to treat certain heart conditions.
- Heart rate regulator: The active compounds can help regulate heart rate in patients with heart rhythm disorders.
- Heart failure treatment: It may be used under professional guidance to treat congestive heart failure by increasing the force of heart muscle contractions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ornamental Gardening: Digitalis ciliata, or foxtail lily, is often used for adding vertical interest and color to cottage and border gardens with its tall, striking flower spikes.
- Erosion Control: The foxtail lily, due to its deep root system, can be used on slopes and banks to help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
- Fairy Gardens: Its whimsical tall spikes make the foxtail lily a popular choice for fairy and miniature gardens, providing a fantasy-like structure for creative landscaping.
- Textile Dyeing: Some enthusiasts use the flowers of the foxtail lily to create a light green dye for textiles, although this use is not widespread.
- Photography: With their impressive height and beauty, foxtail lilies are a popular subject for garden photographers and plant enthusiasts.
- Art Inspiration: The architectural form and vibrant colors of the foxtail lily are often used as inspiration by artists in paintings and botanical illustrations.
- Educational Tool: Botany educators may use the foxtail lily in lessons about plant structure and pollination due to its distinctive and easily observed features.
- Companion Planting: The foxtail lily is sometimes used in companion planting to add height and attract pollinators to the garden, benefiting surrounding plants.
- Biological Studies: Research on pollination and plant growth habits sometimes includes species like foxtail lily due to their unique flowering patterns.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the petals of Digitalis ciliata can be used as an ornamental garnish for fancy dishes in high-end culinary presentations.
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, commonly known as Foxglove, has medicinal properties and is used to create heart medications. Thus, it symbolizes healing and the ability to mend physical ailments.
- Protection: Due to its toxic components, Foxglove is often associated with protection and the warding off of negative forces.
- Pride: The striking appearance and height of the Foxglove can represent pride or self-confidence.
- Insincerity: In some traditions, Foxglove is seen as a symbol of insincerity or deceit, possibly due to its toxic nature which contrasts with its beautiful exterior.
WaterFor Foxglove Beardtongue, also known as Digitalis ciliata, it's essential to maintain consistent soil moisture but avoid waterlogging. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water, especially during dry spells. Use a soaker hose or a drip irrigation system to apply water directly to the soil and limit moisture on the foliage, which can prevent fungal diseases. During hotter periods, check the soil moisture level twice a week, as the plant may require additional water if the top inch of soil feels dry. However, reduce the amount of water in cooler, rainy seasons to prevent overwatering.
LightFoxglove Beardtongue prefers partial shade but will also thrive in full sun if not too intense. The ideal location for this plant is where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as the harsh midday sun can be detrimental in hot climates. Positioning Digitalis ciliata in a spot with dappled light beneath a canopy of deciduous trees or on the east side of a structure is conducive to its health.
TemperatureFoxglove Beardtongue fares best in temperate conditions and can withstand temperatures as low as 30°F and as high as 85°F. For optimal growth, strive to keep the surrounding environment between 60°F and 70°F. Frost can damage the foliage and flowers, so it's crucial to protect the plant in winter if temperatures dip below the freezing point by using mulch or frost cloths.
PruningPruning Foxglove Beardtongue is chiefly for aesthetic reasons and to encourage a second bloom. Deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms and to prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively. In late fall, prune back the foliage after it has died down to tidy up the garden and prepare for winter. The best time to prune for shape and size is in the early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFringe Tree Foxglove thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand, ensuring good aeration and drainage. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingFringe Tree Foxglove should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Springtime is ideal for repotting to give the plant time to establish in the new container.
Humidity & MistingFringe Tree Foxglove prefers moderate humidity, around 40-60% which mimics its native environments. It does not require excessively high humidity levels to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Fringe Tree Foxglove in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant Fringe Tree Foxglove in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDigitalis ciliata, commonly known as fringed foxglove, begins its life cycle as a seed that requires overwintering or a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination in favorable conditions—moist, cool, and partially shaded environments—it develops into a rosette of leaves during its first year, a stage characterized by vegetative growth. In its second year, fringed foxglove progresses to the flowering stage, sending up a tall spike adorned with tubular, bell-shaped flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After pollination, the flowers produce small, numerous capsules containing seeds. These seeds are then dispersed by wind, gravity, or possibly by animals, beginning the life cycle anew. The plant is usually biennial, meaning it typically completes its life cycle, from germination to the production of seeds, within two years.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The common name for Digitalis ciliata is "Fringed Foxglove". The most popular method of propagating Fringed Foxglove is by seed. Seed propagation can be done either by sowing directly in the garden during the fall or by starting them indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. When sowing indoors, use shallow trays filled with a seed starting mix and lightly cover the seeds with soil as they require light to germinate. Maintain a temperature of about 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius) for optimal germination. Water the soil evenly but avoid making it soggy, and keep it moist until germination, which typically occurs in 2 to 3 weeks. Once seedlings have grown enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and later moved to their final position in the garden, spacing them about 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) apart.
