Gardening Tips

Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea)

Foxglove or digitalis is a terrific addition to the shade garden. Foxgloves can handle very low light, but if there is a few hours of light exposure then the flowering spears will grow multiple off shoots. This perennial has a cluster of dark grey/green leaves at the base; the leaves are soft and furry to the touch. The flower spears start to grow in the early summer they can reach heights 2′ to 8′. The flower is tubular in shape and droop; the colors of the flower can vary from dark pinks to white. They like regular watering but don’t liked to be soaked. When the soil is allowed to dry slightly and then lightly moisten is the best. Let the flowers go to seed and allow for the nutrients to go back into the plant. Take parts of the spear and hang them upside down in a brown paper bag in a cool dry place. If you don’t want to store the seeds then when the flower stalk dies back take the seed pods and sprinkle them around your yard. It is a good idea to rake the area if you can.