Foxglove Digitalis purpurea subsp. heywoodii 'Silver Fox'

Water

For the Foxglove 'Silver Fox', water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to watering once a week. However, in hot, dry conditions, it may require watering twice a week. Use a watering can to gently soak the soil around the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent disease. Foxgloves prefer consistently moist soil, so aim to provide about one gallon of water for each plant during the weekly watering, adjusting as necessary for weather conditions.

Light

Foxglove 'Silver Fox' thrives best in partial shade to full sun conditions, where it can receive four to six hours of sunlight each day. It is ideal to plant it in a spot that is sheltered from the harsh afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates, to prevent the foliage from scorching.

Temperature

Foxglove 'Silver Fox' grows optimally in a temperature range of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures of up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure outside this range may harm the plant.

Pruning

Prune Foxglove 'Silver Fox' after blooming by deadheading the spent flower spikes to encourage a second bloom and to prevent excessive self-seeding. Prune again in late fall to remove dead or yellowing leaves. The best time for major pruning is in early spring, trimming back any frost-damaged foliage.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Foxglove 'Silver Fox' thrives in a moist, well-draining soil mix, rich in organic matter. For the best growth, the soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 5.5 to 7. A mix of loam, peat or leaf mold, and coarse sand or perlite can create an ideal environment for this plant's roots.

Repotting

Foxglove 'Silver Fox' typically does not require frequent repotting as it is a biennial plant. It should only be repotted if the soil becomes poor or the plant has outgrown its current container, which might happen every 2-3 years.

Humidity & Misting

Foxglove 'Silver Fox' is a plant that prefers moderate ambient humidity levels, but it is quite adaptable and does not require specific humidity adjustments, which makes it relatively easy to grow in a variety of indoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light, keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, sheltered location, enriched soil.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

Digitalis purpurea subsp. heywoodii 'Silver Fox', commonly known as Foxglove 'Silver Fox', begins its life as a seed that typically germinates in spring after experiencing a period of cold stratification. The seedlings develop into a rosette of silver-gray leaves in the first year, which is the vegetative stage of the plant. In the second year, Foxglove 'Silver Fox' progresses to the reproductive stage, sending up tall flower spikes adorned with bell-shaped, tubular flowers that range from pale pink to purple, with spotted throats. These flowers are pollinated by bees, after which the plant produces capsule-like fruits that release numerous tiny seeds. Once seed dispersal occurs, the biennial plant typically dies, having completed its two-year life cycle. However, if conditions are favorable, Foxglove 'Silver Fox' may behave as a short-lived perennial, regenerating from the basal foliage to flower in subsequent years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• Propogation: The common foxglove, Digitalis purpurea subsp. heywoodii 'Silver Fox', is typically propagated through seed sowing. The most suitable time to sow foxglove seeds is late spring to early summer, ensuring that the temperature is mild and not excessively hot, as extreme heat can hinder germination. Sowing seeds directly into the soil where the plants are to grow is a straightforward approach. The seeds should be sown very thinly on the surface of a well-drained seed compost, and lightly covered with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite. They require light for germination, so it’s crucial not to bury the seeds too deeply. Maintain a consistent level of moisture without overwatering, and expect germination in approximately 2 to 3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their final position in the garden, spacing them about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart to accommodate growth.