Digitalis purpurea ‘Purple’

Common foxglove, also known as Digitalis purpurea, is a fairy-like plant often seen in gardens, but can also be encountered in the wild in forests and clearings among trees. The leaves of the flowers coalesce into a kind of thimble. Digitalis grows quite tall, up to about 100 cm, with up to 90 purple flowers per stem, making them real eye-catchers in any garden. Digitalis purpurea is a 2-year-old so short-lived plant. But it sows enthusiastically and thus keeps reappearing in the garden. Be careful with the Digitalis because the plant is poisonous.
Photos
Care tips

All parts of Foxglove, especially the leaves and seeds, contain toxins. It is wise to avoid contact with the plant’s sap on the skin, as it can cause irritation. Foxglove contains digitalis glycosides, a group of toxins that can directly affect the heart. Ingestion of this plant, even in small amounts, can have serious effects on the human body.

The effects of ingesting foxglove range from nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain to cardiac arrhythmias. In severe cases, hallucinations can occur and poisoning can lead to cardiac arrest.
Extra caution is therefore required when it comes to children and also pets; make sure they do not come into contact with the plant.

Despite its dangerous side, foxglove also has an enchanting character. Digitalis grows in difficult places, even in deep shade between trees and shrubs, as long as the soil is not too dry. The ideal conditions for this plant are humus-rich, well-drained and moderately moist cool soils, preferably in partial shade.

To extend the life of the plant, it is advisable to remove spent flowers before seed formation. In the first year, you can leave all the spent flower stems to encourage spontaneous sowing. In subsequent years, you can cut off some spent flower stems, but always leave at least two wilted stems so that seeds can disperse.

General care tips can be found here

Specifications

Dutch name:
Foxglove, Pipe head, Doll's shoe
Theme:
Sparkling spring
Type of crop:
Perennials
Flower color:
Paars
Flowering time:
mei, juni, juli, augustus
Leaf color:
Green
Height:
60 cm - 100 cm
Evergreen:
Halfwintergroen
Hardiness:
Good
Pitch:
Sun, Semi-shade, Shadow
Application:
Border, Pot, Groep
Soil type:
Vochtige bodem, Normale bodem
Special features:
Snijbloem, Trekt bijen aan, Rotsplant, Giftig
Plant density:
7 to 9 per m²
Expected availability week: