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Digitalis (foxglove) ICE QUEEN

yarrow2yarrow2 Posts: 782
in Plants
Cheated and bought three a couple of weeks ago to put in a dappled shade spot where the soil is always damp-ish.  

These 'ICE QUEEN' looked a bit 'precious' ie don't look very tough!  I planted them and gave them a good soak but didn't feed.   One of the main stem heads on one plant has flopped over backwards and the others look as if they're going to go the same way soon.

We've had 3 or 4 hotter than normal days - but I'm wondering if it's not just the heat which is affecting them.  Maybe I should have fed them something?  Do you think that would perk them up?  Would liquid feed be ok or should I sprinkle some fish, blood and bone around and water it in?  

Would be grateful for some advice.  I'm thinking I should have bought more robust looking plants but of course I was tempted by 'the look'!

Last year I took seeds from a Dalmation Salmon Pink plant and they have all come up strong as anything.  Had so many had to put some in a more sunny spot and doesn't seem to be doing them any harm.  I'm not experienced with foxgloves so am not sure what to do with the Ice Queen ones.  The head on the bottom picture has bent completely over backwards.




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Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I haven't met this one, you're right, it doesn't look very robust.
    The only thing I can suggest is not to water too much. Feeding is a waste of time until it's perked up and fit to take nourishment, if at all. Foxgloves are woodland plants, it doesn't look as though it's in full sun but does it get too much? 
    and if it was pot bound did you loosen up the roots?


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I haven't met this one, you're right, it doesn't look very robust.
    The only thing I can suggest is not to water too much. Feeding is a waste of time until it's perked up and fit to take nourishment, if at all. Foxgloves are woodland plants, it doesn't look as though it's in full sun but does it get too much? 
    and if it was pot bound did you loosen up the roots?


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I have some Silver Fox and they look the same. A bit more delicate than usual. Mine dropped a bit but have perked up. It maybe was strong sun for me.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I don't know why my comment posted twice :)



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • yarrow2yarrow2 Posts: 782
    Thanks nutcutlet and Fire.  I'll wait and see what transpires.   The heat was chronic since I planted them and the one on the left (floppy top) and middle are getting a touch of sun for part of the day.  The one on the right, less so.  I'll leave them a few days and see if they toughen upwards.  Thanks again.

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    Some plants have barely seen the outside world when you buy them, it must be quite a shock.


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • yarrow2yarrow2 Posts: 782
    I thought that as well nutcutlet.  Meant to confirm they were not pot bound and even so I teased out the roots a little bit, gently.  They seemed in good pot shape when I bought them.  But the stems are softer than average to the touch.  Hoping they will sharpen up.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    I Googled this and found not much. I wonder if it has another name.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I planted it last year and asked on the forum or more info but couldn't find any info. Silver fox is very similar, it seems.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    was yours more robust, Fire?


    In the sticks near Peterborough
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