Lady's glove, also known as Digitalis purpurea, is a stunning biennial plant native to Europe, which is beloved for its tall spikes of tubular flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. If you're considering adding this elegant plant to your garden, here's a comprehensive guide to help you successfully grow and care for Lady's glove.
Understanding Lady's Glove:
1. Botanical Description:
- Lady's glove is characterized by its rosette of lance-shaped, hairy leaves in the first year, followed by tall, erect flower spikes in the second year.
- The flowers are tubular and can be various shades of pink, purple, white, or yellow, depending on the variety.
2. Growing Conditions:
- Lady's glove thrives in partial shade to full sun, but it prefers cooler climates.
- It requires well-draining soil with average fertility. Sandy loam or loamy soil is ideal.
- Ensure the soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7.0).
- Adequate air circulation is important to prevent fungal diseases.
3. Planting Lady's Glove:
- Sow seeds directly into the garden bed in late spring to early summer, or start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date.
- Plant seeds shallowly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, and maintain consistent moisture until germination.
- Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
Care and Maintenance:
1. Watering:
- Lady's glove prefers consistently moist soil, especially during periods of drought.
- Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
2. Fertilization:
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when new growth appears.
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote lush foliage at the expense of flower production.
3. Mulching:
- Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, around Lady's glove plants to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
4. Support:
- Tall flower spikes may require staking or support to prevent them from bending or breaking, especially in windy conditions.
5. Deadheading:
- Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding, as Lady's glove can become invasive in some areas.
6. Pest and Disease Management:
- Lady's glove is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it may occasionally attract aphids, slugs, or snails.
- Handpick pests or use organic insecticidal soap as needed.
- Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Overwintering:
1. Biennial Growth Cycle:
- Lady's glove completes its life cycle over two years. In the first year, it produces foliage, and in the second year, it blooms and sets seed before dying back.
- After flowering and setting seed, the parent plant will naturally die, but it often self-sows, producing new seedlings for the following year.
2. Winter Protection:
- In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch around Lady's glove plants in late fall to insulate the soil and protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
3. Seed Saving:
- Allow some flower spikes to mature and develop seed pods.
- Harvest seeds when the pods turn brown and dry, then store them in a cool, dry place until the following spring for sowing.
Propagation:
1. Seed Propagation:
- Lady's glove readily self-sows, but you can also collect and sow seeds to propagate new plants.
- Sow seeds in late spring or early summer as described earlier.
2. Division:
- Divide established clumps of Lady's glove in early spring or early fall to create new plants.
- Carefully lift the clump, separate the outer rosettes with roots attached, and replant them at the desired location.
Tags
Flowers