A biennial or short-lived perennial, reaching 2m (6 ft.) in height. The plant has a rosette of large, downy leaves and spectacular one-sided flower spikes of purple or pink tubular flowers, with crimson on the inside.
History and traditions
The foxglove was given its Latin name by the German botanist, Leonard Fuchs; in 1542 (it does not appear in any classical texts). He called it digitalis, for its supposed resemblance to fingers (digit = finger), and the common name in German, as in several other European languages, is connected with thimbles. Various ingenious explanations have been put forward for what it has to do with foxes: that they wore the flowers on their feet to muffle their tread when on night-time prowls; that it is really from “folks glove” for the “fairy folk”; or from an Anglo-Saxon word “foxes-glew” meaning fox-music, for its resemblance to an ancient musical instrument you can take your pick. Once used in folk medicine for a variety of disorders (despite occasional fatalities), it was its effectiveness as a diuretic against dropsy which led to the discovery of its action on the heart by a Dr. Withering, who published his findings in 1785.
Growth
Although it will grow in most conditions, it prefers moist, well-drained soil in partial shade, with a mulch of leaf mound. Propagate from seed sown in autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Self-seeds.
Uses
Medicinal
The foxglove contains glycosides which affect the heartbeat and is used in orthodox medicine as a heart stimulant. It should never be used for home treatments.
