GREEN ANATOMY - Digitalis (Foxglove)
Posted by John Friel on Dec 18th 2020
Are there body parts in your gardens? Not exactly, we hope -- but there are some very fine plants named for anatomical features. And they won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Right at your fingertips!
Some say the Latin genus name, which refers to fingers, i.e., digits, was back formed from an old common name. “Fingerhut” is German for “finger hat,” a sewer’s thimble. An alternate explanation is that the lovely tubular flower resembles the finger of a glove, with the tip removed.
You could easily insert a finger into one of those sweet trumpets, but first, make sure it doesn’t already contain a bee.
Our offerings:
D. purpurea ‘Foxy’: The standard-bearer for biennial foxgloves, with trumpets of red, white and yellow on stiff stems. A fine cut flower. Height 30”.
D. xmertonensis: “Strawberry foxglove” brings true hardiness to the genus. Tall spikes of copper/pink tubular flowers. Great backdrop! Height 2 – 3’.
D. p. Dalmatian series: Gorgeous trumpets with decorative spotted throats in separate colors: Crème, Peach, Purple and Rose Height 16-20”.
D. hybrida Arctic Fox Rose (PP31900): A breeding triumph. Sturdy, compact columns of deep rose pink trumpets with paler speckled throats. Height 18-24”.
Fun Fact: Why “foxglove?” Foxes don’t wear gloves… or do they? An ancient legend says fairies gave the blossoms to their friend the fox to wear on his toes, so he could hunt silently.
Scary Fact: Yes, this genus is the original source of the heart medicine by the same name, but all parts of Digitalis are actually toxic, even deadly. You really can get too much of a good thing.
Next anatomy lesson: Ears! They’re not just for cornfields, y’know.
Looking for the perfect addition to your lineup, but couldn’t quite put your finger on it? Now you know. It’s Digitalis, and it comes in smooth-planting, fast-finishing 72s from Emerald Coast Growers – your easy choice!
