Foxglove Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora
ABOUT
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora, commonly known as the white foxglove, is a strikingly beautiful plant known for its distinctive flowers. The white foxglove boasts a series of tubular blossoms, which are pure white in color, providing a sense of elegance and simplicity that distinguishes it from its more common pink-purple relatives. These flowers are neatly arranged along a central spike and are bell-shaped, adorned with subtle spots and markings on the inside that attract pollinators. The foliage of the white foxglove forms a rosette at the base from which the flower spikes emerge. The leaves are elongated with a slightly toothed edge and a velvety texture. They're a rich, deep green that contrasts nicely with the white flowers above. This plant typically blooms in the late spring or early summer and its showy flowers are not only visually appealing but also hold significant allure for bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators that are drawn to their nectar. It is important to note that while beautiful, all parts of the white foxglove plant contain substances that can be toxic if ingested. Care should be taken where it is planted, especially in areas frequented by children and pets. Despite its potential toxicity, the white foxglove remains a beloved plant for its striking appearance and its ability to add a touch of wild, natural beauty to gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Plantaginaceae
Synonyms
White Flowering Foxglove, Alba Foxglove
Common names
Digitalis purpurea var. albiflora.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora is Foxglove. Foxglove is highly toxic to humans if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, particularly digitoxin and digoxin, which can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms of foxglove poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, weakness, vision changes, and cardiac disturbances. Severe poisoning can lead to cardiac arrest and death. It is crucial to avoid ingesting any part of the foxglove plant.
To pets
Foxglove is also highly toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses, among others. Ingesting any part of the foxglove plant can lead to similar symptoms of poisoning as in humans, due to the cardiac glycosides it contains. Symptoms in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, cardiac arrhythmias, weakness, collapse, dilated pupils, and potentially death. Immediate veterinary care is essential if a pet ingests any part of a foxglove plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-5 feet (60-150 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-9
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds aesthetic value to gardens with its striking white flowers and tall, spiky appearance.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are vital for plant pollination and ecosystem health.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and food sources for various insects and birds within a garden setting.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it's relatively tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest from spring to early summer with its bloom cycle.
- Erosion Control: Its extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Companion Planting: Can be used effectively in mixed borders with other perennials to create diverse plant communities.
- Deer Resistance: Generally resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardens.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycosides content: Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora) contains cardiac glycosides which can have a positive inotropic effect on the heart, meaning they can increase the force of heart contractions, which can be beneficial in conditions like heart failure.
- Heart rhythm regulation: The cardiac glycosides in Foxglove have been used to regulate heart rhythm, especially in cases of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Ornamentation: Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as foxglove, is often used for its aesthetic value in gardens, contributing height and color with its tall spikes of tubular flowers.
- Bioindicator: Foxgloves can act as bioindicators of certain soil conditions, especially because they prefer acidic soils and can indicate the pH level of the garden.
- Dye Production: The leaves of the foxglove have historically been used to create dye for fabrics, yielding various shades of green.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to its whimsical appearance, foxglove is a popular choice for fairy gardens, miniature gardens that aim to attract mythical woodland creatures.
- Crafts and Art: The unique shape of the foxglove's flowers makes them ideal for dried flower arrangements, or to be used in botanical art and photography.
- Educational Tool: Foxgloves can be used as an educational tool in gardens and schools to teach about plant biology, pollination, and the importance of bees in the ecosystem.
- Habitat For Wildlife: Foxgloves can serve as a habitat for beneficial insects, such as bumblebees, which use the tubular flowers as a source of nectar.
- Film and Theater: Due to their distinctive look and height, foxgloves are sometimes used in film and theater productions to create an authentic or enchanted garden set.
- Thematic Gardening: Foxgloves can play a role in thematic garden designs, such as 'cottage garden' or 'medieval garden', because of their old-world charm and traditional use in European gardens.
- Photography Prop: Foxglove's dramatic flowers are popular among photographers, who use them as natural props or backgrounds in portrait and macro photography.
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 purpurea f. albiflora, commonly known as white foxglove, is recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly for cardiovascular treatments, symbolizing healing and protection.
- Bewitchment: The plant is also associated with magic and folklore, where it is thought to have magical attributes, symbolizing enchantment and mystery.
- Inspiration: Poets and artists have often cited foxgloves as a muse, making them a symbol of creativity and artistic expression.
- Toxicity: Despite its beauty, the white foxglove is toxic if ingested, symbolizing caution and danger beneath a seemingly harmless appearance.
WaterWhite foxglove requires consistent moisture but should not be over-watered. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry, which might equate to roughly once a week depending on weather and soil conditions. Use a watering can or hose to gently soak the soil at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves to minimize the risk of fungal diseases. Each plant may require approximately 1 gallon of water during each watering session, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the root zone. During prolonged dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler or rainy periods, less water might be necessary.
LightWhite foxglove thrives best in partial shade, benefiting from morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. It can also grow in full sun in cooler climates, but should be protected from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching of the leaves. A spot with dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal for this plant to flourish.
TemperatureWhite foxglove prefers moderate temperatures and can survive in a range as wide as 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but it thrives best in a temperature range between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It's hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures but should be protected from extreme heat and frost.
PruningPruning white foxglove involves deadheading spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding, if desired. It's best to prune after the main bloom in late spring or early summer. You can also cut back the foliage in late fall to prepare the plant for winter, leaving only a few inches above the soil to promote healthy growth in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Foxglove, known by its botanical name Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora, prefers a well-draining, moist, rich soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of about 5.5 to 7.0. A good mixture can be made of loamy garden soil, peat, and some coarse sand or perlite to improve drainage. Regular amendment with organic matter like compost is beneficial for nutrient content and soil structure to support the plant's growth.
RepottingFoxgloves generally do not require frequent repotting as they are biennial or short-lived perennials. They should be sown or initially planted with adequate space to accommodate growth and generally only need repotting if they outgrow their current space or the soil is exhausted, which might be every 2-3 years or as necessary.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora) prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different humidity conditions found in most temperate outdoor environments. They do not require any special humidity considerations when grown outside in their natural conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright indirect light, cool temps, and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, enrich soil with compost, protect from wind.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDigitalis purpurea f. albiflora, commonly known as the white-flowered form of the purple foxglove, begins its life as a seed, which, upon germination in suitable conditions of moist, well-drained soil and partial sunlight, develops into a small rosette of leaves. In the first year, the plant focuses on establishing a solid base of foliage and a strong root system, remaining as a basal rosette. In its second year, it produces a tall flower spike adorned with tubular, bell-shaped white flowers, which are prized for their ornamental qualities and attractiveness to pollinators like bees. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed-containing capsules that disperse seeds for new growth. Following seed dispersal, this biennial plant often dies, thereby completing its life cycle. In some cases, however, if environmental conditions are favorable, the plant may behave as a short-lived perennial, producing new foliage and flower spikes for a few successive years before its lifecycle ends.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora, commonly known as the white flowered form of Foxglove, is through seed sowing. Sowing should ideally occur in late spring to early summer. Seeds can be lightly sprinkled on the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix, as they require light for germination. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Providing a consistent temperature around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius) can improve germination rates. Once seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly outdoors if the risk of frost has passed.
