Spanish Peaks Foxglove Digitalis thapsi
ABOUT
Digitalis thapsi, commonly known as Spanish Foxglove, presents a striking appearance characterized by its distinctive flowers and foliage. The flowers, which are shaped like bells or thimbles, are an eye-catching feature. They possess a subtle pinkish-purple hue, with interior patterns that often appear as spots or streaks, providing contrast and visual interest. These blossoms are neatly arranged around the stem, forming a one-sided spike that adds to the plant's ornamental value. The foliage of the Spanish Foxglove forms a rosette pattern at the base of the plant. The leaves are typically oblong or elongated in shape, with a slightly furry or woolly texture. They exhibit a rich green color, which often serves as a lush backdrop that further accentuates the vibrant hues of the flowers. During its blooming season, the Spanish Foxglove's combination of attractive leaves and flowers creates a picturesque display that can enliven gardens and natural settings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Spanish Foxglove, Lilac Foxglove.
Common names
Digitalis purpurea subsp. thapsi, Digitalis purpurea var. thapsi, Digitalis thapsi var. minor, Digitalis thapsi var. subalba.
ToxicityTo humans
Digitalis thapsi, commonly known as foxglove, is a plant that is highly toxic to humans if ingested. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause serious poisoning. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, weakness, and vision changes. Severe poisoning can lead to cardiac issues such as irregular heart rate, palpitations, and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Medical attention should be sought immediately if foxglove ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Digitalis thapsi, also known as foxglove, is toxic to pets if ingested. The cardiotoxic compounds in foxglove can affect the heart function of pets, leading to severe poisoning. Symptoms in pets include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, cardiac abnormalities such as arrhythmias, tremors, seizures, and possibly death if not treated promptly. Immediate veterinary care is critical if a pet has ingested any part of the foxglove plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Digitalis thapsi is known to attract bees and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Ornamental value: The tall spikes of tubular pink to purple flowers provide aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Biodiversity support: As part of a native plant garden or wildflower meadow, Digitalis thapsi can help support local biodiversity.
- Erosion control: The plant’s root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and in garden beds.
- Wildlife habitat: Some species of wildlife utilize Digitalis thapsi as a food source or as part of their habitat structure.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycosides: Digitalis thapsi contains compounds that can affect the heart, specifically cardiac glycosides like digitoxin.
- Heart rate modulation: It may be used in managing certain heart conditions by influencing heart muscle contraction.
- Heart failure treatment: The active components have historically been used to treat some symptoms of heart failure.
- Arrhythmia correction: It might be employed in the correction of certain types of cardiac arrhythmias due to its effect on the cardiac conduction system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Digitalis thapsi (Foxglove) has been used in traditional dyeing processes, particularly for wool, as it contains certain chemicals that can produce various colors.
- The flowers of Foxglove can be used to create a natural, mild insect repellent by crushing the flowers and applying the residue to skin or clothing.
- Foxglove, due to its height and showy blooms, is often planted as a border plant in gardens for aesthetic enhancement.
- As a biennial plant, Foxglove can be used in educational settings to demonstrate the two-year life cycle of biennials to students learning about botany.
- The dried leaves of Foxglove have historically been used in the crafting of herbal sachets meant to ward off evil spirits in folklore traditions.
- Foxglove petals have been utilized in the creation of natural confetti for use in celebrations and ceremonies in a more ecologically friendly manner.
- These plants can be used as companion plants in gardens, as they can attract pollinators such as bees, which are beneficial for the overall health of a garden.
- The tall and upright stature of Foxglove makes it suitable for adding structure and depth to floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Foxglove's dried seed pods are occasionally used in craft projects or as an addition to decorative dried flower displays.
- Children sometimes make 'fairy hats' or 'gloves' from the flowers of Foxglove, engaging in imaginative play and folklore games.
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 thapsi, commonly known as Foxglove, has been used medicinally to create digitalis, a compound effective in treating heart conditions. Thus, it symbolizes healing and the power to mend physical ailments.
- Protection: In folklore, Foxglove was thought to protect homes and gardens against evil influences, symbolizing safeguarding of spaces and individuals from harm.
- Magic: Foxglove is associated with the faerie realm and magic due to its bell-like flowers. It symbolizes enchantment and the belief in the mystical and unseen forces of nature.
- Insincerity: Because of its toxic properties and deceptive beauty, Foxglove can symbolize insincerity or deceit. It cautions one to be wary of outward appearances.
- Pride: The statuesque presence of Foxglove, growing tall and confident, can symbolize pride or self-assurance.
WaterFoxglove, including Digitalis thapsi, prefers consistently moist soil but does not like to be waterlogged. During the growing season, watering once or twice a week should be sufficient, depending on weather conditions. Use about 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring it reaches deep into the soil to encourage deep root growth. During periods of rain, reduce the watering frequency. Cut back on water as the plant goes dormant in the colder months to prevent root rot.
LightFoxglove thrives in partial shade to full sun. Ideally, place it in a spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day. Digitalis thapsi can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but will need some shade in hotter regions.
TemperatureThe best temperature range for Foxglove falls between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 40°F and maximum temperatures up to about 90°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside 60°F to 75°F can stress the plant.
PruningPrune Foxglove to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flower spikes to encourage more blooms and maintain plant health. The best time for pruning is immediately after the main flowering period, typically in late summer or early fall. Foxglove can also be deadheaded to promote a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove Beardtongue prefers well-draining soil enriched with organic matter; a mix of loam, compost, and sand can offer an optimal structure. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingFoxglove Beardtongue does not need frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove Beardtongue tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific humidity conditions to thrive.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and not too hot.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun, protect from strong winds, enrich soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleDigitalis thapsi, commonly known as Spanish foxglove, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after being sown, germinates in the spring. The young seedlings establish themselves quickly, developing into a rosette of leaves that remains close to the ground throughout the first growing season. In its second year, the Spanish foxglove produces a tall flower spike that bears numerous tubular, pink to purple flowers which are bell-shaped and distinctively spotted inside. After pollination, typically by bees attracted to the flowers’ color and nectar, the plant sets seed in small, capsule-like fruits. As a biennial, once seeds are set, the Spanish foxglove usually dies, having completed its life cycle; however, the plant can sometimes behave as a short-lived perennial, creating new rosettes at the base that may overwinter and flower in subsequent years. The seeds dispersed from the dead parent plant can germinate to create new plants, thus continuing the population.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Digitalis thapsi, commonly known as Spanish Peaks foxglove, is often propagated by seed. The best time to sow seeds is in late spring to early summer, following the last frost when temperatures are reliably warm. Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix, as they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm, bright area without direct sunlight. Seeds typically germinate in two to four weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots before being moved outdoors to their final growing positions.
