Stunning Digitalis Plants: Bring Beauty & Drama to Your Garden

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Digitalis (dij-it-tay-liss) Foxglove; Figwort Family (Scrophulariaceae). The common foxglove grows wild in English fields and is one of the easiest border plants in American gardens. Nodding showers of bells, usually flecked inside, are produced on tall, graceful racemes and are extremely showy in mass.

Foxglove will grow in average, medium, well-drained soil, however Digitalis will thrive in acidic, moist, humus enriched soil. Keeping this plant watered, not allowing it to dry-out, will result in better flowering and healthier foliage.

Though some species are perennial and will persist for years, most digitalis are treated as biennials. Propagation is recommended by letting the plant self-seed and using the resulting plantlets to establish colonies in the garden that will persist for years as if they were perennials. Seeds may take 2 years to flower.

Excellent as a border, containers, cut flower, mass plantings. Plant along fences, at the wood's edge, or in large containers. Attracts hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.

Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Candy Mountain' (30)ct Flat

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Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Peach' (30)ct Flat

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Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Purple' (30)ct Flat

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Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Candy Mountain' (30)ct Flat

Digitalis purpurea 'Candy Mountain' (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Common Foxglove A rare first! 'Candy Mountain' is the first foxglove ever to have upward-facing flowers instead of the usual downward-facing ones. With this new angle, viewers can easily see the...

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Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Peach' (30)ct Flat

Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Peach' (30)ct FlatDalmatian SeriesCommon Name: Common Foxglove This fast growing, first year flowering perennial foxglove received high scores in German trials. It ranked high due to its strong growth habit, floridity, and...

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Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Purple' (30)ct Flat

Digitalis purpurea 'Dalmatian Purple' (30)ct Flat Dalmatian Series Common Name: Foxglove This improvement over 'Dalmatian Purple' displays greater vigor, better uniformity, and an earlier bloom time. The Dalmatian Foxgloves are some of the fastest to...

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What are the benefits of planting Digitalis?

There are many benefits to planting Digitalis, also known as foxglove, in your garden. Here are a few of the most notable:

Beauty:

Stunning flowers: Foxgloves are known for their tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers, which come in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow. They bloom in late spring to early summer and can add a touch of elegance and whimsy to any garden.
Long blooming season: Some varieties of foxgloves can bloom for up to eight weeks, providing a long-lasting display of color in your garden.

Wildlife benefits:

Pollinator magnet: Foxgloves are a favorite food source for bumblebees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Planting them in your garden can help to support these important creatures.
Deer resistant: Unlike many other flowering plants, deer tend to leave foxgloves alone. This makes them a good choice for gardeners who have problems with deer browsing in their gardens.

Other benefits:

Easy to grow: Foxgloves are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Perennial: Some varieties of foxgloves are perennial, meaning they will come back year after year. This can save you money on having to buy new plants every year.

Important note: While foxgloves offer many benefits, it is important to remember that all parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. This includes the leaves, flowers, and seeds. If you have young children or pets, it is important to plant foxgloves in an area where they cannot be reached.

Overall, planting Digitalis in your garden can be a great way to add beauty, attract pollinators, and create a deer-resistant landscape. Just be sure to take precautions to keep the plants out of reach of children and pets.

What are the characteristics of Digitalis?

Here are some of the key characteristics of Digitalis, also known as foxgloves:

Plant type: Herbaceous perennial, biennial, or shrub depending on the species.

Height: Typically 3-6 feet tall, but some species can reach up to 10 feet.

Leaves: Spirally arranged, simple, and covered in soft hairs. The leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant in the first year and then grow up the stem in the second year.

Flowers: Tubular and bell-shaped, borne in a tall spike at the top of the stem. The flowers come in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow.

Bloom time: Late spring to early summer, with some varieties blooming for up to eight weeks.

Habitat: Native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwestern Africa. They prefer well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.

Toxicity: All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested, so care should be taken around children and pets.

Additional characteristics:

Foxgloves are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a good choice for beginner gardeners.
They are a valuable food source for pollinators such as bumblebees and hummingbirds.
Some varieties of foxgloves are deer resistant.

How Do I Plant Digitalis?

There are two main ways to plant Digitalis: planting seeds and planting seedlings. The method you choose will depend on your preference and climate. Here is a breakdown of both methods:

Planting Seeds:

Best time: Sow seeds indoors in late winter or early spring or directly outdoors in fall.
Seedling preparation: Use a well-draining seed starting mix and scatter the tiny seeds thinly on the surface. Press them gently into the soil and keep them moist but not soggy. Do not cover the seeds, as they need light to germinate.
Transplanting: Once seedlings have a few sets of true leaves (around 4-6 weeks), transplant them into individual pots or directly outdoors if it is fall. Harden off seedlings gradually before planting them outdoors in cooler weather.
Spacing: Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart.

Planting Seedlings:

Best time: Plant seedlings outdoors in spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Choosing seedlings: Look for healthy plants with strong stems and green leaves.
Planting process: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball and gently remove the plant from its pot. Place it in the hole and fill it back in with soil, firming it gently around the base of the plant.
Watering: Water well after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy until the plants are established.
Spacing: Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart.

Additional Tips:

Location: Choose a location with well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. Avoid planting in hot, dry areas.
Soil: Amend the soil with compost or organic matter before planting to improve drainage and fertility.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Staking: Taller varieties may need to be staked to prevent them from flopping over.

Remember: All parts of the Digitalis plant are poisonous if ingested. Take caution when planting and handling the plants, especially if you have young children or pets.

What Are varieties Of Digitalis?

The world of Digitalis, also known as foxgloves, offers a diverse range of varieties to enhance your garden with their towering spikes of beautiful, bell-shaped blooms. Here are some popular options to consider:

Perennial varieties:

Digitalis grandiflora (Yellow foxglove): This sun-loving species boasts vibrant yellow flowers and can reach up to four feet tall.
Digitalis ferruginea (Rusty foxglove): This unique variety features rusty-red flowers and evergreen foliage, adding a touch of winter interest to your garden.
Digitalis obscura (Dusky foxglove): This shade-tolerant species produces clusters of deep purple flowers, creating a dramatic statement in shaded areas.

Biennial varieties:

Digitalis purpurea (Common foxglove): This classic variety comes in a wide range of colors, including purple, pink, white, and yellow. It readily self-seeds, providing you with new foxgloves year after year.
Digitalis lutea (Straw foxglove): This sun-loving species exhibits tall spikes of lemon-yellow flowers, adding a cheerful touch to your garden borders.
Digitalis dubia (Spanish foxglove): This heat-tolerant variety flourishes in warmer climates and offers delicate clusters of yellow and orange flowers.

Hybrid varieties:

Camelot series: This popular series includes foxgloves in various colors, known for their long blooms and compact size, making them suitable for containers.
Foxy series: This vibrant series boasts foxgloves in bold colors like cherry red and apricot, adding a touch of drama to your garden.
Illumination series: This unique series features bicolored foxgloves with stunning combinations like orange and yellow or pink and purple.

Remember, with so many varieties available, the best Digitalis for you will depend on your personal preferences, climate, and desired garden aesthetic. Happy planting!

How Do I Care For Digitalis In My Garden?

Taking care of Digitalis in your garden requires minimal effort, but following these key steps will ensure they thrive and reward you with their stunning blooms:

Light and Location:

Partial shade to full sun: Most varieties prefer partial shade in hot climates and can tolerate full sun in cooler regions. Avoid intense afternoon sun, especially in hot areas.
Well-drained soil: This is crucial to prevent root rot. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or sand to improve drainage.

Watering:

Regular watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during hot weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to problems.
Mulch: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Feeding:

Moderate fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fertilizer once in spring and again after flowering. Avoid overfertilizing, as this can encourage excess foliage and weak stems.

Deadheading:

Remove spent flowers: This encourages repeat blooming and prevents self-seeding if you do not want unwanted seedlings.

Staking:

Taller varieties: Taller varieties may need staking to prevent them from flopping over, especially during heavy rain or wind.

Additional Tips:

Biennials: Biennials like Digitalis purpurea will complete their life cycle after blooming in their second year. You can either allow them to self-seed and produce new plants or deadhead them before they set seeds to extend their flowering period.
Perennials: Divide perennial varieties every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Toxicity: Remember, all parts of Digitalis are poisonous if ingested. Wear gloves when handling the plants and keep them out of reach of children and pets.

By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of Digitalis in your garden for years to come.

Does Digitalis attract pollinators?

Digitalis, commonly known as foxgloves, are excellent at attracting pollinators, especially bumblebees and hummingbirds. They offer several characteristics that make them appealing to these important critters:

Nectar: Foxgloves produce abundant nectar, the sugary reward that pollinators seek. The nectar is hidden deep within the tubular flowers, encouraging pollinators to delve inside and brush against pollen-laden stamens, facilitating cross-pollination.

Pollen: The pollen produced by Digitalis is sticky and readily adheres to pollinators, further aiding in its transfer between flowers.

Flower Colors: Many Digitalis varieties feature vibrant colors like purple, pink, and yellow, which are highly attractive to bees and hummingbirds. These colors act as visual cues, guiding pollinators towards the nectar-filled flowers.

Flower Shape: The bell-shaped blooms of Digitalis are perfectly adapted for bumblebees, whose robust bodies can easily squeeze inside to reach the nectar. The tubular shape also helps protect the nectar from harsh weather conditions and unwanted visitors.

Flowering Time: Foxgloves typically bloom in late spring to early summer, coinciding with the peak activity period of many pollinators, ensuring a readily available food source.

Fragrance: While not all Digitalis varieties are strongly fragrant, some emit a sweet scent that further entices pollinators.

Overall, Digitalis plays a valuable role in supporting healthy pollinator populations, contributing to a thriving ecosystem and the production of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. So, planting these beautiful flowers in your garden is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a responsible way to help our delicate ecological balance.

Are There Any Common Pests Or Diseases That Affect Digitalis?

While Digitalis are hardy plants, they can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, particularly when stressed due to improper care or environmental factors. Here are some of the most common threats to keep an eye out for:

Pests:

Aphids: These sap-sucking insects can stunt growth and distort leaves. Look for clusters of soft-bodied green, brown, or black insects on the undersides of leaves.
Slugs and snails: These slimy creatures munch on leaves and flowers, leaving ragged holes and slime trails.
Whiteflies: These tiny flying insects feed on plant sap, weakening the plant and potentially transmitting diseases. Look for white clouds taking flight when you disturb the plant.
Japanese beetles: These metallic-green beetles with metallic green bodies can skeletonize leaves and damage flowers.

Diseases:

Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery coating on leaves, hindering photosynthesis and weakening the plant.
Downy mildew: Similar to powdery mildew, but manifests as yellowing leaves with fuzzy white or gray growth on the undersides.
Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on leaves, which can eventually lead to defoliation.
Crown rot: This fungal disease affects the base of the stem, causing wilting and eventually killing the plant. It thrives in wet conditions with poor drainage.

Prevention and Management:

Good cultural practices: Ensure proper watering, drainage, and sunlight to avoid stressing the plants. Regularly remove fallen leaves and debris to reduce hiding places for pests.
Encourage beneficial insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and other natural predators can help control aphid and whitefly populations.
Handpicking: Remove small infestations of pests by hand or use insecticidal soap sprays or neem oil for larger populations.
Fungicide treatments: If fungal diseases appear, apply organic fungicides based on copper or sulfur according to label instructions.
Plant selection: Choose resistant varieties whenever possible.

Remember, early detection and intervention are key to minimizing the impact of pests and diseases on your Digitalis. By keeping a watchful eye and taking preventative measures, you can ensure these beautiful flowers flourish in your garden and continue to attract pollinators.

Can I Use Digitalis in Floral Arrangements?

You can absolutely use Digitalis, also known as foxgloves, in floral arrangements! Their tall, elegant spikes and charming bell-shaped blooms can add a touch of drama, color, and texture to your bouquets. Here is what you need to know:

Pros:

Beauty: Foxgloves come in a wide variety of colors, from classic purple and pink to more unique shades like yellow and white. Their tall stems and delicate, hooded flowers create a whimsical and eye-catching presence in arrangements.
Variety: Different foxglove varieties offer different heights and bloom times, allowing you to create arrangements with varying visual interest and longevity.
Texture: The velvety texture of the foxglove flowers adds a delightful contrast to other, smoother blooms in your arrangement.
Pollinator attraction: Even cut flowers can still attract pollinators, so using foxgloves can support beneficial insects even indoors.

Cons:

Toxicity: All parts of the foxglove plant, including the flowers, are poisonous if ingested. Be cautious when handling them, especially if you have young children or pets around.
Short vase life: Foxgloves typically have a shorter vase life compared to other cut flowers, lasting around 3-5 days. However, proper care can extend their lifespan.
Fragrance: Some foxglove varieties have a faint, musky scent that may not be everyone's preference.

Tips for using Digitalis in arrangements:

Choose fresh blooms: Select foxgloves with firm, unopened flowers and healthy green stems.
Condition the stems: Cut the stems diagonally and stand them in warm water for a few hours before arranging.
Use floral preservative: Adding a floral preservative to the water can help extend the vase life of your foxgloves.
Pair with complementary flowers: Foxgloves pair well with a variety of flowers, such as delphiniums, roses, lilies, and hydrangeas. Choose colors and textures that complement the foxgloves and create a harmonious overall look.
Keep them cool: Avoid placing your arrangement in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can shorten the lifespan of the flowers.

By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of Digitalis in your floral arrangements while ensuring their safety and maximizing their lifespan.

Is Digitalis Invasive?

Whether Digitalis, also known as foxglove, is considered invasive depends on your location and specific species. Here is a breakdown:

General information:

Digitalis are native to Europe, Western Asia, and northwestern Africa.
Some species, like Digitalis purpurea (common foxglove), are considered invasive in certain regions where they are not native.

Factors to consider:

Location: Whether a particular Digitalis species is considered invasive depends on your specific location.
Climate: Digitalis can easily self-seed in suitable climates, potentially outcompeting native plants.
Species: Not all Digitalis species are equally invasive. Check with local resources to identify specific concerns about varieties in your area.

Examples:

In the United States, Digitalis purpurea is listed as an invasive plant by the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
In Canada, the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia considers Digitalis purpurea to be an abundant exotic species.
In some European countries, like the UK, where they are native, Digitalis are not considered invasive.

Recommendations:

Before planting Digitalis, research their invasive potential in your specific area. You can consult local gardening resources, botanical gardens, or government websites.
If you are concerned about invasiveness, consider planting native alternatives with similar characteristics.
If you already have Digitalis in your garden, be mindful of their self-seeding potential and remove unwanted seedlings to prevent them from spreading.

By staying informed and making responsible choices, you can enjoy the beauty of Digitalis while minimizing any potential negative impacts on the environment.

When Is The Best Time To propagate Digitalis?

The best time to propagate Digitalis, also known as foxgloves, depends on whether you are using seeds or cuttings:

Propagation by seeds:

Fall (September-October): This is the preferred time for sowing seeds outdoors in most climates. Cooler temperatures and consistent moisture from fall rains encourage germination and seedling establishment before winter dormancy.

Early spring (February-March): You can also sow seeds indoors in seed trays or pots if you want earlier blooms. Harden off seedlings thoroughly before transplanting them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Propagation by cuttings:

Early summer (June-July): Take softwood cuttings from non-flowering shoots. This method is faster than seeds but may not be successful with all varieties.

Additional factors to consider:

Climate: In warmer climates, fall sowing may be less successful due to milder temperatures. Consider starting seeds indoors earlier or choose spring sowing.

Species: Some Digitalis varieties have specific germination requirements, so check the information for your chosen species.

Personal preference: Choose the propagation method that best suits your time constraints, gardening experience, and desired timing for blooms.

Here is a table summarizing the best time for propagating Digitalis based on method:

Method	Best Time	Notes
Seeds (outdoors)	Fall (September-October)	Cooler temperatures, consistent moisture
Seeds (indoors)	Early spring (February-March)	Earlier blooms, requires hardening off seedlings
Cuttings	Early summer (June-July)	Faster than seeds, not successful with all varieties

I hope this information helps you choose the best time to propagate Digitalis and enjoy their beautiful blooms in your garden!

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Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Candy Mountain' (30)ct Flat

Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Peach' (30)ct Flat

Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Purple' (30)ct Flat

Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Candy Mountain' (30)ct Flat

Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Peach' (30)ct Flat

Digitalis

Digitalis p. 'Dalmatian Purple' (30)ct Flat