White Flower Farm:Foxglove (Digitalis) - Beauty and the Bomb

Digitalis, a biennial (life cycle of approximately two years), is an elegant addition to any garden border. Its bell-shaped flower clusters come in varieties of white, pink, yellow, red, lilac and purple. According to history, the foxes that cover their legs with the sap of the plant before going to night raids at poultry farms, hence the name Fox glove. The name has also been associated with fairies are useful to the grace of garden.Digitalis has mainly been used by herbalists for medicinal purposes. Despite the beauty of the colorful display, however, flowers, roots, sap, flowers, seeds and leaves are all poisonous, even when dry and should be handled with "gloves"! SML. Medically, digitalis has been used to strengthen the heart and regulation of heartbeat. They should be grown in areas where pets or children can probably make contact. Fox glove does best in partial shade with good drainage and space. Seeds can be started indoors about ten weeks before transplantation and usually germinate within 2-3 weeks. Sow seeds 24 "apart with soil cover approximately 1 / 8" of soil. Water twice a week and fertilize once a month for best results and larger flowers. Plant height varies with variety, but are typically 5.2 "in height. The flowering cycle is initiated in the late spring and continues until the end of summer. Cut back to the stem end of the season flowering. The plant will once again raise the springtime.Digitalis doing everything possible in temperate zones and soils rich in humus pH 6 to 7.5 fertilizers can be used to modify the pH. ammonium N decreases pH and lime blooms posed for healthier, it's best to replace it. plant every 2-3 years. Fox gloves are among the flowering varieties known to attract s hummingbirds.Here with a lovely garden and beautiful flowers!