Siberian Foxglove Digitalis × sibirica
ABOUT
Digitalis × sibirica, commonly known as Siberian Foxglove, is a perennial plant that boasts an intriguing and attractive appearance. Its foliage is comprised of oval to lance-shaped leaves, which are arranged in a basal rosette. The leaves are typically a soft green color, with a slightly furry texture that can give them a somewhat grayish hue from a distance. The most captivating feature of Siberian Foxglove is its striking flowers. They are tubular and hang in a graceful arrangement along a central spike. Each individual flower is bell-shaped and may come in an array of colors, typically in shades of pink, purple, or white, often with intricate spots or markings within the throat of the bloom. These vivid flowers are not only a delight to the eyes but are also known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, adding movement and life to the spectacle of the plant. In terms of growth habit, Siberian Foxglove forms clumps that steadily expand with its foliage close to the ground, while the flower spikes rise above, creating a layered look in a garden setting. The overall impression of Siberian Foxglove is of a plant that brings a wild yet structured beauty to a landscape, thriving in areas where it can spread and naturalize. It is a favored option for gardeners looking to create a cottage garden effect or to simply add a pop of vertical interest with its erect flower spikes. Its bloom time is typically in the late spring to early summer, making it a wonderful addition to seasonal plantings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Siberian Foxglove
Common names
Digitalis × sibirica
ToxicityTo humans
The plant Digitalis × sibirica, commonly known as Foxglove, is toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides, which can cause severe poisoning if ingested. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning in humans can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, weakness, vision disturbances, and changes in heart rate or rhythm. In severe cases, ingestion of foxglove can lead to cardiac arrest and death, especially if not promptly treated.
To pets
The plant Digitalis × sibirica, commonly known as Foxglove, is also toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Like in humans, all parts of the foxglove plant contain cardiac glycosides, which are hazardous if consumed by pets. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, seizures, and a potentially fatal outcome if medical treatment is not quickly administered.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
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- Aesthetic Appeal: Digitalis × sibirica, commonly known as the Siberian foxglove, adds beauty to gardens with its striking tubular flowers and tall, spiky appearance.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Siberian foxglove are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, providing a valuable food source for these pollinators.
- Garden Diversity: By incorporating Digitalis × sibirica into a garden, one can increase the floral diversity, which is beneficial for the overall health of the ecosystem.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant is capable of thriving in partially shaded areas, making it suitable for planting under trees or in shadowy corners of a garden.
- Soil Erosion Control: The Siberian foxglove's root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in sloped areas of a garden or landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Digitalis, commonly known as foxglove, can be used as a natural dye, providing a range of colors from green to brown when used with different mordants on textiles.
- In folk customs, certain cultures planted foxglove around their homes to ward off evil spirits and bad luck due to its toxic reputation.
- The patterns of foxglove flowers can be used as inspiration for artwork, textile designs, and patterns in crafts like knitting and crochet.
- The blooms of foxglove can be pressed and included in botanical press flower art, which is popular for creating unique, natural decorations.
- Foxglove's striking flowers are used in landscape design to add a vertical element to gardens, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.
- The plant is sometimes incorporated into educational programs as an example of the evolutionary adaptation of flowers to their pollinators due to the foxglove's bell-shaped flowers.
- Photographers often utilize the picturesque foxglove as a subject in their work to capture the beauty of nature and the biodiversity of ecosystems.
- In folklore, the foliage and flowers of foxglove are sometimes used in costume design, especially during festivals that celebrate natural heritage and mythical stories.
- The structural properties of foxglove stalks can be studied in botany and horticulture classes to understand the mechanisms of water transport in plants.
- Foxglove seeds can be used in crafts such as seed art, where they are glued onto a surface to create patterns or images due to their small size and texture.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Digitalis, commonly known as 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, is a source of digitalin, a potent chemical used in heart medication. Thus, it symbolizes healing and medical breakthroughs.
- Beware: Foxglove is highly toxic, so it can also represent a warning against danger or a metaphor for something that is appealing but harmful.
- Intrigue: The speckled and vividly colored flowers of Foxglove give it an air of mystique, often associated with magic, folklore, and faerie tales.
- Insincerity: In the Victorian language of flowers, Foxglove was sometimes associated with insincerity due to its toxic nature juxtaposed with its beautiful appearance.
WaterSiberian Foxglove should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. On average, water once a week with approximately one gallon for outdoor plants or two to four ounces for smaller indoor potted plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the plant is never sitting in water. During the growing season, especially if outdoor conditions are very hot or windy, you may need to water more frequently. However, reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightSiberian Foxglove prefers partial shade to full sun conditions. It thrives best in a spot that receives morning sunlight and is shaded during the hot afternoon hours. Avoid placing it in deep shade, as this can reduce blooming and lead to leggy growth. A location that mimics its natural woodland habitat, with filtered light, is ideal for robust growth and flower production.
TemperatureSiberian Foxglove is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. It can survive minimal temperatures down to 20°F and maximum temperatures just above 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. Keep the plant protected from extreme cold by providing mulch or coverings if temperatures drop below the minimum threshold for prolonged periods.
PruningPruning Siberian Foxglove is primarily done to remove spent flower spikes and to maintain a neat appearance. Prune immediately after the first flush of flowers has faded to encourage a second bloom. Typically, pruning can be done once or twice a year. The best time for pruning is in late summer or after the plant has finished most of its flowering. Deadheading, or cutting off the old flowers, can also prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSiberian Foxglove requires well-draining soil rich in organic matter; a mix of loam, peat or compost, and sand is ideal. Optimal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingSiberian Foxglove doesn't generally require frequent repotting. Repot young plants annually for growth, mature plants less often as needed, typically every 2-3 years.
Humidity & MistingSiberian Foxglove thrives best in average humidity levels, consistent with typical outdoor conditions. It does not require high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleDigitalis x mertonensis, commonly known as Strawberry Foxglove, begins life as a seed, typically germinating in cool to moderate temperatures in well-draining soil. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of leaves during its first growing season, establishing itself with a strong root system. In its second year, the plant sends up a tall flowering spike that can reach up to 2 meters in height, with tubular pink to purple flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, typically in late spring to early summer, the plant produces small capsule-like fruits that contain many tiny seeds. These seeds are dispersed by wind, gravity, or wildlife, leading to new generations of plants. Strawberry Foxglove is a biennial or short-lived perennial, meaning after it flowers and sets seed, the individual plant often dies, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Foxglove (Digitalis × sibirica) can be effectively propagated through seed sowing. The best time to sow foxglove seeds is in late spring to early summer. To propagate foxgloves by seed, simply surface sow the seeds onto a well-draining soil mix as they require light to germinate. Cover the container with a plastic wrap or place it inside a greenhouse to maintain the necessary humidity. It's important not to cover the seeds with soil, as this can inhibit germination. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of around 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius), and germination should occur within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden at a spacing of several inches apart.
