Contents
Description
Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple, commonly known as foxglove, is a biennial or perennial plant that belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. This plant has hairy leaves and produces tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers in summer. The blooms are typically purple, although they can also be pink or white. The plant is native to Europe and parts of Asia but can be grown in North America.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Digitalis |
Appearance
Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and 12-18 inches wide. The plant has large, hairy leaves that are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The leaves are dark green and oval-shaped with a pointed tip. The stems of the plant are also hairy and can be green or purple.The flowers of the Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple plant grow on tall spikes that can reach up to 5 feet in height. The blooms are bell-shaped and can be up to 2 inches long. They are typically purple, but can also be pink or white. The flowers bloom from late spring to mid-summer.
Care Guide
To care for Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple, it is important to provide it with the right conditions. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: Foxglove prefers moist soil, so it is important to water it regularly, especially during dry periods. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple does not require a lot of fertilizer. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Foxglove prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.- Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to leggy growth and fewer blooms.- Hardiness Zones: Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects can suck the sap from the plant, causing it to weaken and become stunted. You can control aphids by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Slugs and snails: These pests can eat holes in the leaves of the plant. You can control them by using a slug bait or setting up beer traps.- Crown rot: This disease can cause the plant to wilt and die. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet conditions. To prevent crown rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but it can be grown in North America. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple toxic?
A: Yes, all parts of the foxglove plant are toxic if ingested. Keep the plant away from children and pets.
Q: Can Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple be grown in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow foxglove in containers, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and you use well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple?
A: You should water foxglove regularly, especially during dry periods. However, be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
Q: How long do the flowers of Digitalis Purpurea Dalmatian Purple last?
A: The flowers of foxglove bloom from late spring to mid-summer and can last up to two weeks.
Related Plants
– Digitalis Purpurea ‘Excelsior’- Digitalis Purpurea ‘Giant Shirley’- Digitalis Purpurea ‘Snow Thimble’- Digitalis Purpurea ‘Apricot Beauty’- Digitalis Purpurea ‘Alba’
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Digitalis purpurea ‘Dalmatian Purple’. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282950- University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. (n.d.). Foxglove. Retrieved from https://wimastergardener.org/article/foxglove/- The Old Farmer’s Almanac. (n.d.). Foxglove. Retrieved from https://www.almanac.com/plant/foxglove
