Guest Author - Hellie T.

Foxglove Digitalis purpurea

Foxgloves have a long history.
The Anglo-Saxons called them "foxes glofa" (the glove of the fox) as they thought the flowers looked like the fingers of a glove.

There are many stories as to how the name foxglove originated -my favorite is the one which tells of naughty fairies who gave the blossoms to foxes to wear on their feet, to muffle the sound of their footfalls when out hunting for rabbits and such like!

Native to Europe, hardy and biennial foxgloves grow from 3 to 5 feet tall, flowering from June to September.
They have also naturalised in parts of Northwest America.

Foxgloves have lovely crinkled broad leaves which contrast with the tall spikes of pink tubular, bell-like flowers and make a colorful dramatic accent if dotted in amongst smaller border plants.

They also look lovely if left to self seed and naturalise.
The seed heads nodding on the tall spikes add to winter interest to your garden.
There are many ornamental varieties including white and a lovely peachy colour but the original pinky purple is still my favourite.

Cultivation

Foxgloves like

• A sunny spot is their favourite
• They will make do with partial shade
• The ground must be well drained
• They do best in dry sandy soil but will grow in any soil provided it is not too wet.
• Seeds can be sown in spring or late summer.
• The leaves form a rosette during its first year then the flower spike grows in its second year.
• Remove the central spike after it has flowered if you wish to increase the size of the flowers on the side shoots.
• Bees are like foxgloves.

Uses.

For over 200 years the foxglove has been used to strengthen the heart.
Dead Man's Bells, Witches' glove, Bloody Fingers are all names for the foxglove .
This alerts you to the fact that all parts of the Foxglove are poisonous and should not be eaten or used in any way at home

This photo was taken in my garden.

Enjoy your garden!