Foxglove Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora (Thompson & Morgan)
ABOUT
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora, commonly known as the white-flowered form of Foxglove, is a striking plant prized for its beautiful blooms. This variant of Foxglove exhibits a rosette of downy, green leaves that are oblong with a coarsely toothed margin. These leaves form a lush base from which a majestic spike emerges, adorned with a series of tubular flowers. The blossoms of the white-flowered Foxglove are particularly captivating, distinguished by their pure white color and bell-like shape. Each flower is gracefully spotted with muted purple or lavender dots and markings inside, adding a subtle touch of color and contrast to the otherwise monochrome flower. The blossoms gracefully hang from the spike, delicately arrayed in a one-sided sequence upward along the stem. As a biennial or short-lived perennial, the white-flowered Foxglove showcases its verdant foliage in its first year, followed by its spectacular floral display in the second. Vibrant green foliage provides a lovely backdrop for the elegant spikes of white flowers. This classic cottage garden plant, while beautiful, is known to be toxic if ingested, so care should be taken when planting it in areas accessed by pets and children.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
White Flowering Foxglove, Alba Foxglove, White Common Foxglove.
Common names
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Foxglove is highly toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to severe poisoning. Symptoms of Foxglove poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, confusion, weakness, dizziness, blurred vision, and changes in color perception. It can also cause cardiac effects such as irregular heartbeat, bradycardia (slow heart rate), or tachycardia (fast heart rate), which can be life-threatening. In severe cases, ingestion can result in cardiac arrest and death. Immediate medical attention is crucial if Foxglove ingestion is suspected.
To pets
Foxglove is also highly toxic to pets. Ingesting any portion of the plant can lead to serious poisoning in animals. Symptoms of Foxglove poisoning in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, cardiac abnormalities such as arrhythmias, tremors, seizures, and potentially fatal heart failure. The toxic effects can vary depending on the amount consumed and the size of the pet. As with humans, immediate veterinary care is essential if a pet has ingested Foxglove.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 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 purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove, adds vertical interest and beauty to gardens with its tall spikes of tubular flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers are particularly attractive to bees, which are key players in pollination for many other plant species.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Foxgloves are a quintessential component of the classic cottage garden style, creating a sense of rustic nostalgia.
- Shade Tolerance: These plants can grow in partial shade, making them versatile for various garden locations that may not receive full sunlight.
- Structural Diversity: By growing Foxgloves, gardeners can add height and structural diversity to floral arrangements and garden beds.
Medical Properties- Cardiac glycosides: Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Common Foxglove, contains cardiac glycosides that can strengthen and regulate the heartbeat.
- Heart failure treatment: Historically used in the treatment of heart conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Positive inotropic effect: The cardiac glycosides in Digitalis purpurea have a positive inotropic effect, meaning they increase the force of the heart's contraction.
- Antiarrhythmic properties: It also exhibits antiarrhythmic properties, which can help to restore a regular heart rhythm.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Foxglove's tall and striking flower spikes can be used as a natural vertical accent in floral arrangements, adding height and drama to the composition.
- The dried seed pods of foxgloves can be utilized in crafts and as a component in creating natural jewelry, like seed pod necklaces or earrings.
- In photography, foxgloves can be a captivating subject for macro photography due to their intricate flower patterns and vibrant colors.
- Foxglove flowers can be pressed and used in botanical art projects, such as creating bookmarks, cards, or framed botanical prints.
- The plant's leaves can be used to create green dyes for fabrics or paper, though care must be taken due to their toxicity.
- Foxgloves can be planted to provide a natural, colorful backdrop for garden photography or as part of a picturesque scenery for outdoor events.
- Certain cultures use foxgloves in traditional folkloric costumes or decorations during festivals, symbolizing various historical or mythological narratives.
- Foxglove plants can be incorporated into educational programs and workshops about native plants and their role in supporting local ecosystems.
- When planted alongside vegetable gardens, foxgloves can help in attracting pollinators, which are beneficial for the pollination of many food crops.
- Because of their height and dense foliage, foxgloves can be used as a makeshift privacy screen in small garden areas.
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, commonly known as Foxglove, is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly for treating heart conditions with the drug Digitalin extracted from the plant.
- Bewitchment and Magic: Foxglove has associations with magic and folklore, often believed to attract fairies and used in spells.
- Insincerity: In the language of flowers, Foxglove can symbolize insincerity or a false sense of security due to its toxic properties despite its beautiful appearance.
- Protection: Because of its ties to the supernatural, Foxglove is also associated with protection against evil influences.
WaterThe common name for Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora is White Foxglove, and it requires careful watering to thrive. Water White Foxgloves deeply once a week, providing about 1 inch of water to moisten the soil to a depth of at least a few inches. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-drained as they do not like to be waterlogged. It's best to water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
LightWhite Foxglove prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The best spot for White Foxglove is one that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade, as this protects the plant from the intense heat of the day.
TemperatureWhite Foxglove grows well in a temperate range, ideally between 60°F and 80°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40°F, but it is not frost-tolerant. Ensure to protect the plant from extreme heat exceeding 90°F.
PruningWhite Foxglove should be pruned to remove spent flower spikes, which encourages the plant to produce more blooms. The best time to prune is right after the blooms fade in the summer. Pruning White Foxglove regularly during the flowering season may also promote a second bloom in the fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFoxglove 'Alba' prospers in moist, well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, with a preferred pH range of 6.0-7.5. Applying a mix that includes equal parts garden soil, compost, and a lightening agent like perlite or sand can achieve this ideal soil condition.
RepottingFoxgloves typically do not need frequent repotting as they are biennials or short-lived perennials. Repotting every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its container can suffice.
Humidity & MistingFoxglove 'Alba' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and tolerant of different humidity conditions, thriving well without any special humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temperatures to grow Foxglove 'Alba' indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, ensure good air circulation for Foxglove 'Alba' outdoors.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleDigitalis purpurea f. albiflora, also known as the white flowering foxglove, starts its life cycle with germination, which occurs in moist, well-drained soil in a partly shaded area. Following germination, the plant enters a vegetative stage characterized by the growth of a rosette of oblong leaves at ground level. In its second year, the foxglove sends up a tall flowering spike, which is covered in tubular white 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 numerous small seeds. These seeds are dispersed by wind, allowing the plant to propagate and complete its biennial life cycle. If conditions are favorable, some plants may behave as short-lived perennials, producing flowers for more than two years before dying.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora, commonly known as the white foxglove, is most frequently propagated through the sowing of seeds. The ideal time for sowing foxglove seeds is during late spring to early summer, after the last frost has passed. Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed starting mix, as they require light to germinate. Carefully press them into the soil, but do not cover them with additional soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, and place the seed tray in a warm, bright location without direct sunlight. Germination typically occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and have developed a couple of true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final location in the garden, maintaining a spacing of roughly 12 to 18 inches (approximately 30 to 45 centimeters) between the plants.
