Foxglove flowers have both definite and negative symbolic meanings. They are said to sometimes hurt and sometimes heal. In the language of flowers, foxglove flowers are linked with insincerity. On the definite side, the base name is said to come from "folk's gloves," with "folk" referring to helpful fairy folk. In medieval gardens dedicated to mum Mary, foxglove was called "Our Lady's Gloves" or "Gloves of the Virgin."
The scientific name is digitalis, a reference to the nearnessy of mighty chemicals that can heal heart conditions if taken correctly but can kill if taken in large amounts. Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides and was first used to treat heart ailments in 1785. Digitalis helps to regulate pulse rate.
An overdose of digitalis can cause anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and jaundiced foresight or a halo effect. Digitalis has sometimes been abused as a weight loss aid due to the gastronomic side effects and resulting reduction of appetite. Digitalis was previously also used as a rehabilitation for epilepsy and seizure disorders, but this is now carefully inappropriate.
Foxglove thrives in soils that are rich in iron and coal. New coalfields can sometimes be settled by seeing masses of foxgloves growing together. Foxgloves are perennials that thrive in temperate zones and like shade, part shade and sun. They come in white, yellow, pink, rose, red, lavender and purple. Foxglove can be grown either straight through seeds or divisions of plant clumps. The plants range from 2-6' high depending on the variety.
Foxglove flowers look best in the back of a orchad and bloom in a pyramid shape with the bottom blossoms opening first and the buds remaining complete at the top. Add some foxgloves to your orchad this year to ask the fairy folk to take up residence in your yard!
