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Description
Digitalis Purpurea Excelsior Group, also known as Foxglove, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to Europe but is now widely grown in North America and other parts of the world for its beautiful and showy flowers. The plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide and produces spikes of tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. The blooms attract bees and hummingbirds, making it a popular choice for pollinator gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Digitalis |
Appearance
The Digitalis Purpurea Excelsior Group has a rosette of basal leaves that are oval, pointed, and hairy, and can grow up to 12 inches long. The upper leaves are smaller and lance-shaped. The plant produces tall spikes of flowers that can reach up to 6 feet tall and are densely packed with tubular blooms. The flowers come in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow and have a spotted throat. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer and can self-seed if not deadheaded.
Care Guide
Water: Foxglove plants prefer well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, especially during hot and dry weather.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and blooming.
Soil: Foxglove plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate clay, loam, or sandy soil types.
Sunlight: Foxglove plants prefer partial shade to full sun, depending on the climate. In hot and dry regions, the plant benefits from partial shade in the afternoon to prevent leaf scorching.
Hardiness Zones: Foxglove plants are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Foxglove plants are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, slugs, and snails. The plant is also prone to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and crown rot. To prevent pests and diseases, keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid over-watering. Remove any infected leaves or stems promptly and dispose of them properly. Apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests, and a fungicide to prevent fungal diseases.
Habitat
Foxglove plants are native to Europe and can be found growing in woodland areas, meadows, and along roadsides. The plant prefers moist and well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure. Foxglove plants can grow up to 6 feet tall and are often used in cottage gardens, borders, and as cut flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Digitalis Purpurea Excelsior Group toxic to humans?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, including the leaves, flowers, and seeds. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, which can cause irregular heartbeats, nausea, vomiting, and even death if consumed in large quantities.
Q: How do I propagate Digitalis Purpurea Excelsior Group?
A: Foxglove plants can be propagated by seed or division. Sow the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring, and transplant the seedlings outdoors in late spring. Divide the plant in early spring or fall by digging up the clump and separating the individual plants.
Q: How tall does Digitalis Purpurea Excelsior Group grow?
A: Foxglove plants can grow up to 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide, depending on the growing conditions.
Q: Can I grow Digitalis Purpurea Excelsior Group in a container?
A: Yes, Foxglove plants can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s size and root system. Use a well-draining soil mix and water the plant regularly.
Related Plants
- Digitalis grandiflora
- Digitalis lutea
- Digitalis obscura
- Digitalis parviflora
References
- “Digitalis purpurea ‘Excelsior Mix’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b970
- “Digitalis purpurea.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/17878/i-digitalis-purpurea-i/details
- “Foxglove.” National Gardening Association. https://garden.org/plants/view/775/Foxglove-Digitalis-purpurea/
- “Digitalis purpurea.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp100
