“Finger flowers” is an informal name for Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove. This article explores the characteristics of this distinctive plant, offering guidance on its cultivation, ongoing care, and crucial safety considerations.
Understanding “Finger Flowers”: The Foxglove Connection
The common name “finger flowers” relates to the unique, tubular, and elongated shape of Foxglove’s blooms, which resemble fingers or thimbles. These blossoms are arranged along tall, upright stalks and display colors like vibrant purples, soft pinks, pure whites, and sunny yellows, often with intricate speckles inside. The plant typically grows as a biennial, forming a rosette of leaves in its first year and flowering in the second before completing its life cycle. Some varieties are short-lived perennials, returning for several years. Their tall, elegant spires make them a striking garden addition.
Growing Foxglove
Foxglove thrives in partial shade, though some varieties tolerate full sun in cooler climates. In hotter regions, afternoon shade protects plants from intense heat. They prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0). Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot; amending heavy clay soils with compost or well-rotted manure improves drainage and fertility.
Consistent moisture is important, especially during the first growing season. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged. Established Foxgloves in rich soil may only need supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Fertilization is generally not heavily required if the soil is rich in organic matter. For poor soil, apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges. Over-fertilization, especially with high nitrogen, can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Deadheading, the removal of spent flower spikes, can encourage a second, smaller flush of blooms for biennial types and prevents prolific self-seeding. To deadhead, cut the spent flower stalk just above the first or second set of leaves once about three-quarters of the blooms have faded.
Foxgloves are relatively resilient but can encounter pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. Aphids feed on plant sap, causing discoloration or stunted growth. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on leaves, especially with poor air circulation or high humidity. Ensuring good air movement and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal issues. Slugs and snails might also be attracted to young seedlings.
Important Safety Considerations
All parts of the Foxglove plant (Digitalis purpurea) are poisonous if ingested. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, chemicals that can affect heart function. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, and blurred vision.
Due to its toxicity, wear gloves when handling Foxglove to avoid potential skin irritation or toxin absorption. Keep Foxglove plants out of reach of children and pets, who may be tempted to chew on foliage or flowers. Plant Foxgloves in locations where accidental ingestion is unlikely.
Propagation and Landscape Design
Foxgloves are easy to propagate, primarily through seed. They readily self-seed, dropping tiny seeds that germinate and establish new plants for the following year. For controlled propagation, collect seeds from dried flower spikes and sow directly into the garden in late summer or early fall, or start indoors in late winter to early spring. Foxglove seeds require light to germinate, so sow them on the soil surface without heavy covering. Perennial varieties can also be propagated through division in early spring or fall by carefully digging up the plant and separating the root ball into smaller sections for replanting.
In landscape design, Foxgloves offer significant vertical interest. They are well-suited for adding height to garden beds, borders, and cottage garden schemes. Their preference for dappled shade makes them suitable for woodland or shady borders, where they can naturalize effectively. Foxgloves attract pollinators, particularly bumblebees, making them a beneficial addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.