Digitalis grandiflora
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Digitalis grandiflora

Large yellow foxglove · Yellow foxglove · Big-flowered foxglove · Great yellow Foxglove · Крупни напрстак (SRB)

Tier 1 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Water every
7 days
0
Soil pH
6–8
Hardiness
Zone 3–8
Click count
237
Observations
2,120

Description

Source: leafsnap

Digitalis grandiflora, commonly known as yellow foxglove, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, it has also been introduced to North America as an ornamental plant. The plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and produces large yellow flowers that blossom during the summer months. The leaves of Digitalis grandiflora are lance-shaped with slightly toothed edges. Its flowers are tubular with five lobes and grow on tall spikes that rise above the foliage. These flowers are typically 1-2 inches long and emit a sweet fragrance. Yellow foxglove thrives in well-drained soil and can grow in full sun or partial shade, making it an excellent addition to gardens or naturalized areas. It is also renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly its use in treating heart conditions due to its ability to regulate heart rate. However, Digitalis grandiflora can be toxic if ingested by humans or animals because it contains cardiac glycosides. Despite this, its striking appearance and ease of cultivation keep it popular as an ornamental plant.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 7 days

Yellow foxglove flourishes in soil with moderate moisture, preferring consistent hydration without becoming waterlogged. While it can tolerate short periods of dryness, it requires watering once a week. As an outdoor herbaceous perennial, ensuring adequate hydration during its active growing season is crucial for healthy blooming and overall vitality.

Suggested frequency: Every 7 days
FAQ
How should I water my Yellow foxglove?

To properly water the Yellow foxglove plant, follow these steps for optimal growth and health: 1. Use filtered water: Tap water may contain harmful particles, so it's best to use filtered water when watering this plant. 2. Room temperature water: The Yellow foxglove plant originates from a warm environment, so using water that is at room temperature or slightly warmer is ideal. Cold water can be a shock to its system. 3. Avoid overhead watering: Instead of watering from above, which can cause problems with the foliage, it's recommended to apply the filtered room temperature water directly to the soil. 4. Soak the soil thoroughly: Make sure to soak the soil until it is completely saturated. This process is beneficial for the plant because it moistens the roots and enables them to spread through the soil and absorb necessary nutrients.

What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Yellow foxglove plant?

Both overwatering and underwatering can harm the health of your Yellow foxglove, but overwatering is more common. Overwatering can cause wilting, yellowing, root rot, mold, and mildew, which may kill the plant. Underwatering is less likely since the plant can tolerate drought, but when it happens, the leaves become brittle and brown. Promptly recognizing signs of overwatering is essential. Diseases like root rot may be irreversible if left untreated. If you see early signs of overwatering, reduce watering immediately. Check the soil quality; if it drains poorly, replace it with a well-draining mix. On the other hand, if the plant lacks water, increase watering until signs subside.

How often should I give water to my Yellow foxglove plant?

If your Yellow foxglove is in a pot, you can determine if it needs water by inserting your finger into the soil. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it's time to water. The same method can be used if you are growing your Yellow foxglove outdoors in the ground. Once the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water. In the spring and early fall, watering once a week is usually sufficient. However, during extremely hot weather, you may need to water twice a week or more. It's worth noting that mature, well-established Yellow foxglove plants are quite resilient to drought.

How much water does my yellow foxglove plant need?

When watering your Yellow foxglove, don't be afraid to give it a generous amount of water. Make sure the top two to three inches of soil are dry, and then give it a thorough watering so that the soil is completely soaked. The water should be enough to flow out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If you don't see any excess water draining out, it means you haven't watered it enough. However, be careful not to let the water accumulate in the soil, as this can harm the plant. On the other hand, if water doesn't drain through the pot, it may indicate poorly draining soils, which can be harmful to the plant's health. If the plant is outside, receiving 1 inch of rain per week should be sufficient.

How should I give water to my Yellow foxglove at different times when it is growing?

The water needs of the Yellow foxglove can vary depending on its growth stages. When the plant is young or has just been transplanted, it requires more water to support root growth. As the plant matures, it will require less water. Additionally, during the blooming period, the Yellow foxglove will need more water to support flower development.

☀️ Light Full sun

Yellow foxglove grows best when it gets plenty of sunlight during the day. It can also tolerate less-than-ideal light, adapting to both light shade and very low sunlight. Too much or too little light can negatively affect its flowering and overall health.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Yellow foxglove?

Yellow foxglove thrives best in full sun conditions, requiring more than 6 hours of sunlight daily. It can also grow in partial sun to full shade, which is about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's essential to observe the sunlight movement in your garden to ensure your plants get a suitable balance of light and shade. Although Yellow foxglove is adaptable and can grow in less optimal light conditions, both excessive and insufficient light can negatively impact its flowering and overall health.

How do artificial lights benefit indoor Yellow foxglove plants?

For indoor Yellow foxglove plants, artificial lighting can substantially enhance growth, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient. LED lights, which can be customized to provide specific wavelengths needed by plants, are a popular choice. Depending on the type of plant, the requirements for artificial light intensity vary: full sun plants need 30-50W per square foot, partial sun plants require 20-30W per square foot, and full shade plants need 10-20W per square foot. The light source should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and for most plants, 8-12 hours of light per day is beneficial.

What symptoms indicate light deficiency in Yellow foxglove?

Symptoms of light deficiency in Yellow foxglove can include smaller new leaves compared to mature ones, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, and lighter-colored new leaves, suggesting insufficient sunlight. When exposed to excessive sunlight, symptoms like chlorosis (leaves turning yellow due to chlorophyll breakdown), sunscald, leaf curling as a defense against water loss, wilting from increased transpiration, and leaf scorching may occur, indicating damage and reduced health.

What are the solutions to insufficient light exposure for Yellow foxglove?

To address insufficient light exposure for Yellow foxglove, gradually move the plants to a sunnier spot, ensuring at least 6 hours of daily sunlight, ideally through a south-facing window or using a desk or ceiling lamp for indoors. Alternatively, employ professional plant grow lights for adequate illumination. For outdoor plants, adjust their location gradually to prevent sunburn. Pruning obstructing foliage and strategically relocating smaller plants can increase sunlight access. While parts of the plant that have suffered from insufficient sunlight may not recover, new growth post-adjustment will be healthier.

🌡️ Temperature 0–32.2°C

Yellow foxglove can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution can still be restricted by different combinations of water and heat conditions. It performs best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Long periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as extended high temperatures, can increase the chance of Yellow foxglove dying. In winter, shielding it from the cold can improve the plant's survival rate.

Ideal temperature: 0–32.2°C
FAQ
What is Yellow foxglove?

Yellow foxglove, botanically known as Digitalis grandiflora, is a plant species. Unfortunately, there's no additional information provided about its essentials, content, or any related symptoms.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-8
Soil pH: 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer

The best time to fertilize a Yellow foxglove is in early spring, when it is coming out of dormancy and beginning active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Yellow foxglove has fairly low feeding requirements, applying fertilizer once a year can improve its survival and encourage healthier, longer-lasting flowers.

FAQ
Why should I put fertilizer on my Yellow foxglove?

Fertilization plays a crucial role in the growth of Yellow foxgloves and other plants. It provides essential nutrients for both above-ground and below-ground growth. While the fertilization needs of Yellow foxgloves are generally low, occasional fertilization can greatly benefit the plant, ensuring its survival and promoting the development of longer-lasting, more beautiful flowers. Therefore, for those wanting their Yellow foxgloves to thrive and look their best, regular annual fertilization is recommended.

When should I fertilize my Yellow foxglove?

The best time to fertilize a Yellow foxglove is in late winter to early spring when the plant is transitioning from dormancy to active growth. This promotes healthy growth and a strong start to the season. Fertilizing in the early spring is generally most beneficial, but it is also acceptable to fertilize in the fall. However, it is not recommended to feed the plant during summer or winter.

When is it better not to use fertilizer on my Yellow foxglove?

To properly care for your Yellow foxglove, it's important to only fertilize during late winter and early spring. This plant has low fertilizer needs, so one annual feeding is enough. Fertilizing during spring, summer, and fall can lead to overfertilization and its complications, except if you missed fertilizing in spring, then it's okay to feed it in the fall. In addition, there's no need to fertilize during winter as the Yellow foxglove is in a dormant growth phase and won't be putting forth new growth. Therefore, fertilizing during most of the winter is not recommended.

Which fertilizer is best for my Yellow foxglove plant?

To ensure the healthy growth of a Yellow foxglove, it is recommended to use a general-purpose fertilizer with a balanced amount of the three main plant nutrients. However, there are certain nutrient blends that are believed to be more beneficial. Many gardeners believe that higher levels of phosphorus can lead to stronger roots and better flowers, making a phosphorus-rich fertilizer a good choice for Yellow foxgloves being a flowering plant. Whether in granular or liquid form, as long as there are sufficient nutrients present, any type of fertilizer can be used. In addition to manufactured fertilizers, organic methods such as compost, manure, and similar materials can also be used to improve the soil and create a healthy growing medium for Yellow foxgloves.

How can I make my Yellow foxglove grow better?

To fertilize a Yellow foxglove, the most common method is to use a granular or pellet fertilizer and apply it to the soil around the plant. It's important to do this when the plant is transitioning from its winter dormant phase to active growth, usually in early spring. Wait until you see shoots emerging from the soil before applying the fertilizer. Alternatively, some people prefer using liquid fertilizer which should be diluted with water before application. Regardless of the type of fertilizer used, it's recommended to moisten the soil before, during, and after fertilizing.

🪴 Pot & Repot Every 12 months
Suggested frequency: Every 12 months
✂️ Pruning

Yellow foxglove thrives with minimal pruning, which is best done from late winter to early spring. To promote healthy growth and prevent disease, remove any dead foliage and spent blooms. Cutting back the flower stalk encourages growth at the base of the plant and improves airflow. This not only helps reduce pests but also maintains an attractive shape.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial, Biennial
Genus
Digitalis
Family
Plantaginaceae
Hardiness Zone
3-8
Mature Height
91 cm
Mature Spread
49 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Native Area
Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Belarus, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Lithuania, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Estonia, Albania, Romania, Latvia, Belgium, Moldova, France

Tags (6)

Common Names (5)

en Large yellow foxglove
en Yellow foxglove
en Big-flowered foxglove
en Great yellow Foxglove
ru Крупни напрстак (SRB)