Purple False Foxglove

Purple False Foxglove (Agalinis purpurea) should be watered once a week, but during extreme weather conditions, it may need more frequent watering. The amount of water needed should be enough to moisten the soil and keep it moist, but not soggy. Water should be applied at the base of the plant and the plant should be allowed to drain before any excess water is discarded. A good indication of proper watering is when the top inch of soil is dry. In colder weather, Purple False Foxglove should be watered less often with less water. It is important to avoid over-watering during the winter months, as it will cause the plant to become more prone to diseases.

Purple False Foxglove, or Agalinis purpurea, needs plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives when it receives direct light in the morning and some shade in the afternoon. It will also benefit from supplemental light if grown indoors. As a short-lived perennial, the purple false foxglove flowers during the summer months when temperatures average between 62 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should receive at least 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day during this period. In areas where temperatures dip below freezing, the plant will need less sunlight as it goes dormant. During the cold months, it may need only 2 to 3 hours of sunlight per day depending on weather conditions. In general, purple false foxglove grows best when it receives between 5 and 6 hours of direct sunlight each day during the summer and between 2 and 3 hours of direct sunlight each day during the winter.

Purple False Foxglove (Agalinis purpurea) should be pruned selectively in late winter/early spring when the plants are dormant. Pinch and prune back shoots that are overcrowded, and those that have grown beyond the desired shape of the plant. Prune lightly, keeping the remaining stems to no more than 2-thirds their original length. Trim off any dead, dying, or diseased foliage. To maintain a compact form and encourage more blooms, cut stems back to about 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) above the ground. Pruning away the entire flowering stems will also help promote a bushier, fuller plant. To keep flowering to a minimum, reduce pruning or avoid the plant altogether. Finally, be sure to sterilize pruning shears before and after maintenance to keep the plant healthy and disease-free.