common foxglove
Digitalis purpurea (Excelsior Group)
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Hardiness Zone:
4 - 8
Flowers:
Strawberry pink, white, or purple Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Part sun/part shade
Soil:
Humus rich, Well-drained
Fruits:
Fruits In Summer Ready In
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Poisonous To Humans:
Yes
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea (Excelsior Group)) should be watered most days during the actively growing season - from late Spring to early Fall. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not soggy. Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the hottest part of Summer, water more often to prevent the soil from drying out completely. In cooler temperatures, reduce the frequency of watering slightly. During the Winter, reduce the amount of water given to allow the plant to go dormant.
sunlight
Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea (Excelsior Group)) thrives best in full sun to partial shade. In partial shade or along the edges of full sun, the plant will often produce more flowers. A minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal for this species, with as much as 8 hours a day being ideal in areas with plenty of bright sunlight. Avoid putting it in areas of deep shade, as this will reduce flowering in the plant.
pruning
Common foxglove (Digitalis purpurea (Excelsior Group) should be pruned heavily in late spring (May or June), while the plant is still in its vegetative (growth) stage. This can be done by cutting the stem of the plant back to 8-12 inches from the base. This will help to encourage the production of new side and stems while also keeping the plant in a manageable range. It is important not to prune too much, as this can reduce the amount of flowers produced. Removing dead stems, seed heads and any other damaged material in the late winter is also a good idea.
