Small-flowered Foxglove Digitalis parviflora 'Milk Chocolate'
ABOUT
Digitalis parviflora 'Milk Chocolate' is commonly known as the small-flowered foxglove. The plant features a spiking stem adorned with numerous tiny, tubular flowers that have an alluring deep chocolate-maroon color. These flowers possess an elegant bell shape and are arranged closely together, creating a dense and attractive floral column. The inside of the flowers often exhibit delicate, lighter speckling, adding contrast and depth to their appearance. Surrounding the flowers, the foliage is made up of narrow leaves that have a fine texture and are typically a lush, green color. Together, the dark, richly colored flowers and verdant leaves contrast strikingly, giving the plant a distinctive and sophisticated presence in the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
Small-Flowered Foxglove, Milk Chocolate Foxglove
Common names
Digitalis parviflora 'Milk Chocolate'.
ToxicityTo humans
Foxglove, of which Digitalis parviflora 'Milk Chocolate' is a variety, is known to be toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain cardiac glycosides that can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, stomach pain, fatigue, confusion, hallucinations, and even seizures. The most dangerous effect is on the heart, causing an irregular heartbeat that can be life-threatening. Ingesting any part of the plant can have serious consequences, including heart failure or death.
To pets
Foxglove is also toxic to pets, with all parts of the plant containing cardiac glycosides that are dangerous if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. Ingestion of foxglove can be fatal for pets due to its effects on the heart, leading to heart failure or death if not treated promptly by a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Brown
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Spain
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of Digitalis parviflora 'Milk Chocolate' are known to attract bees and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Garden Aesthetics: With its unique and striking dark brown to maroon-colored flowers that resemble the color of milk chocolate, this plant adds a distinctive beauty to gardens.
- Vertical Interest: Its tall spikes of bloom add vertical interest and can be used to create depth in garden designs or flower arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Milk Chocolate' has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens in areas with less rainfall or for gardeners interested in water-wise planting.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant can provide shelter and resources for small wildlife, contributing to biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Digitalis parviflora 'Milk Chocolate' is generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care once it is established in the right conditions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography and Art Subjects: Due to its unique and attractive flowers, Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' is often used as a subject for photographers and artists looking to capture its beauty in their work.
- Garden Borders: Its compact size and chocolate-colored blooms make Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' an excellent plant for creating contrast and interest in garden borders.
- Themed Gardens: Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' can be used in chocolate or dessert-themed gardens, adding a whimsical element to the landscaping theme.
- Education: Botanical gardens and educational institutions might utilize Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' as a teaching tool to illustrate plant diversity and coloration in nature.
- Companion Planting: It can be planted alongside other woodland plants in shady gardens to create a varied and aesthetically pleasing environment.
- Wildlife Gardens: Though care must be taken due to its toxicity, Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' can be included in wildlife gardens to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds.
- Floral Arrangements: The striking blooms of Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' can be used as part of cut flower arrangements, offering a touch of drama and height to the display.
- Ephemeral Event Decor: For events such as weddings or garden parties, the blooms can provide elegant and striking natural decor.
- Seasonal Interest: As Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' blossoms in late spring to early summer, it can be used to provide seasonal interest in gardens and landscapes.
- Container Gardens: With appropriate care, Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' can be grown in pots and containers, allowing people without in-ground gardens to enjoy its beauty on patios or balconies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Foxglove is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Foxglove is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Creativity: The intricate pattern of the 'Milk Chocolate' flower can represent inner creativity and the beauty of artistic expression.
- Protection: Digitalis as a whole is often associated with protection due to its historical use in creating border plantings and natural barriers.
- Healing: Given its use in heart medications, this plant also comes to symbolize healing and the capacity to mend both physical and emotional wounds.
- Intuition: The slightly mystical look of the 'Milk Chocolate' foxglove can symbolize the connection to intuition and understanding of deeper truths.
- Bewitchment: The charm and grace of this alluring flower sometimes also symbolize enchantment and beguilement.
- Insincerity: Historically, foxgloves have been associated with insincerity, possibly due to their toxic properties hidden behind beautiful appearances.
WaterThe Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' prefers consistent moisture, but it is crucial to avoid overwatering. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil drainage. Apply water directly to the base of the plant, ensuring that the leaves remain dry to prevent disease. During the growing season, in hotter and drier climates, this may translate to approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per week. In cooler and wetter conditions, reduce the amount to prevent waterlogged soil, which can be detrimental to the plant's health.
LightThe Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' thrives in full to partial sunlight. It performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day, especially in hotter climates. A spot that receives 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal to promote healthy growth and blooms while protecting the plant from the harsh late-day sun.
TemperatureThe Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 40°F; however, it may not tolerate extended periods below freezing. Ideally, provide protection if the temperature is expected to drop significantly below 40°F.
PruningPruning the Foxglove 'Milk Chocolate' is important for aesthetic reasons and to encourage a second bloom. After the main flowering spike has faded, cut it back to just above the level of the lower flowering side shoots, which will likely produce another flush of blooms. This should be done once the main bloom diminishes, usually in mid to late summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Small-Flowered Foxglove is well-draining, loamy soil moderately rich in organic matter with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5. Amend soil with compost or peat moss to improve nutrient content and structure.
RepottingSmall-Flowered Foxglove should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot. Ensure each new pot has good drainage and fresh soil.
Humidity & MistingSmall-Flowered Foxglove thrives in moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to normal indoor humidity. Avoid environments that are too dry or overly humid to prevent stress on the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, filtered light, and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Position in partial shade; shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleFoxglove 'Milk Chocolate' begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring cold stratification to break dormancy before germination. Upon germination in the spring, it develops a rosette of leaves in its first year, establishing a strong root system. In the second year, the plant sends up a tall flower spike adorned with small, brownish-purple, tubular flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which are dispersed by wind or fall near the parent plant. The plant is a biennial, meaning it typically completes its life cycle in two years, dying after seed production. However, it can behave as a short-lived perennial, growing new flower spikes in subsequent years if conditions are favorable, until it eventually exhausts its energy reserves and dies.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Digitalis parviflora 'Milk Chocolate', commonly known as the Small-flowered Foxglove, is most commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow seeds is in late winter to early spring, aiming to provide a long enough growing season for the plants to establish before winter. To propagate, sow the tiny seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed-starting mix and lightly press them into the soil. They need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Keep the seed tray moist and in a location with indirect light and a temperature of about 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings usually emerge in 2 to 3 weeks and can be transplanted to individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
