Digitalis purpurea var.

gyspergerae

'Sardinian Purple Foxglove'

Scrophulariaceae: a biannual growing to around 120cm. The Sardinian Purple Foxglove is an overall more compact perennial variety, which is new to cultivation. Found growing in open spots on rich soils in mountain forests on the island of Sardinia. It bears in spring an upright spike of showy deep pink flowers.

USES

Foxgloves contain cardioactive glycosides, which vary from species to species, and according to weather and site, in pharmaceutical terms, ‘digitalis’ refers to the powered leaf of Digitalis purpurea; it is used in the form of tablets or capsules for certain conditions. Digitalin is a standardized mixture of glycosides from Digitalis purpurea, formerly used as a solution for injection. Parts used are the leaves, these are very bitter, diuretic and are used to strengthen heart contractions.

GROWING INFORMATION

Surface sow seeds early spring in a cold frame or greenhouse, seeds usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 20°C, when they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer, if you have enough seed it can be sown outdoors in situ in the spring or autumn. Many people insist that is best to grow foxgloves in poor acid soil, this is a myth, I have grown foxgloves for years on my rich slightly alkaline soil, and they love it!

HARVESTED: 2019

 

APPROX. 500+ SEEDS