Foxglove- Digitalis purpurea

Native to western and central Europe and the British Isles. It is said that Vincent van Gogh took digitalis for epilepsy, and that the yellow vision this drug creates may have influenced his art.
Description
Flowers are tubular, bell-shaped and hanging, 1.5-3 inches long. They have 4 stamens, a 5 pointed calyx and are borne on one side of a spike. Leaves are 6-12 inches long and 3-4 inches wide. They are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, toothed, wrinkled, hairy, deep green and conspicuously veined. Lower leaves have long stalks.
Plant type and hardiness
Biennial; hardiness zone 4-8.
Height and width
Height 4-8 feet; width 1 foot.
Light and soil
Full sun to partial shade; rich, moist humusy; well-drained acid soil with an acidic pH.
Pests and disease
Japanese beetles, mealybugs, mosaic virus, curly top, wilt, anthracnose, leaf spot.
Cultivation
Sow seed as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring or start indoors. Plants need good drainage. Sow seed the year before the plant is expected to flower. Remove the central spike flower to increases side shoots.
Propagation method
Seed, division.
Bloom time and color
June- July; lavender to reddish.
Harvesting
Harvest cut flowers just prior to the last few buds opening.
Herbal uses
Ornamental, medicinal. Attractive flowers. Use for shade. Poisonous if ingested. Both synthetic and
natural forms are used to treat heart failure.

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