Dasistoma macrophylla, commonly known as the large-leaved false foxglove, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Orobanchaceae. Native to North America, this plant thrives in moist woodlands and meadows. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and features large, lance-shaped leaves that can be up to 8 inches long. The tubular flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer, are a striking pinkish-purple and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, due to their nectar-rich nature.
Dasistoma macrophylla is recognized for its medicinal properties. It contains compounds traditionally used to treat heart ailments, respiratory problems, and fevers. However, it is important to handle the plant with caution, as it contains cardiac glycosides, which can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. These compounds can affect heart function if consumed improperly or excessively, posing a risk to both humans and animals. Therefore, the use of Dasistoma macrophylla for medicinal purposes should be left to experts familiar with traditional medicine practices.
Mullein foxglove has strong resistance to disease and is typically not vulnerable to illnesses. Still, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are generally not serious. Regarding maintenance, this plant needs a moderate amount of care. It should be pruned on a regular basis to preserve an attractive appearance and healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage more flowering. Mullein foxglove is appropriate for anyone who has outdoor space, like a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive care experience. It may need extra attention when cultivated indoors.
How to keep Dasistoma Macrophylla.
Light
Mullein foxglove comes from habitats with dappled sunlight, like forest understories or rocky areas that provide natural shade. It does well in partial sun but can also tolerate full sun conditions.
Water
Mullein foxglove thrives in soil that is consistently moist, preferring evenly watered conditions with weekly watering. Although it can tolerate moderate drought, the plant benefits from balanced hydration and good drainage. Its water requirements increase during the growing season and decrease as it approaches dormancy.
Temperature
Mullein foxglove grows best in temperate settings with temperatures of 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). Though native to cooler regions, it prefers a consistently warm climate. In colder months, keep mullein foxglove in a sheltered spot or alter its surroundings to reproduce its preferred temperature range.
Fertilizer
When most of the Mullein foxglove's blooms have opened to full size, it's time to resume fertilizing. Once the flowers are at peak output, feed every three to four weeks, weather permitting. Then, when the plant begins to produce fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there's no need to feed it if it can no longer set additional flowers.
Pruning
Mullein foxglove is known for its lush foliage and vibrant blooms. To maintain its health and improve bloom quality, prune the plant from early to late spring before new growth begins. Remove any damaged stems using clean, sharp tools to minimize the risk of disease. This will help keep your mullein foxglove both appealing and robust.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Dasistoma
- Family
- Orobanchaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-9
- Mature Height
- 0.61 m to 1.83 m
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer
- Planting Time
- Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Mullein foxglove plant?
You can water Mullein foxglove using a garden hose, watering can, or any common watering tool. It doesn't have specific water preferences and can survive with rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Avoid watering from above as it can harm the leaves and flowers and cause disease. Drip irrigation systems are often the best way to water this plant as they distribute water evenly and directly to the soil. For container-grown Mullein foxgloves, use a cup, watering can, or tap to water the soil directly.
What is the ideal temperature range for mullein foxglove?
Mullein foxglove, botanically known as Dasistoma macrophylla, is well-suited for temperate environments, thriving in temperatures ranging from 68 to 95°F (20 to 35°C). Originating from cooler climates, this plant prefers consistent warmth. It's important to ensure that during colder months, mullein foxglove is kept in a protected area or its environment is adjusted to maintain its preferred temperature range. Despite its strong cold resistance, extra precautions may not be necessary during winter. However, if temperatures are expected to drop below -35°C, it's crucial to provide cold protection, potentially by covering the plant with soil or straw. Before the first freeze in autumn, an abundant watering is recommended to keep the soil moist and prevent drought and water scarcity through the winter and early spring.
What should I do if I give too much or too little water to my Mullein foxglove plant?
If you notice that your Mullein foxglove lacks moisture, the remedy is simple: water it more frequently. Overwatering, on the other hand, can be a more serious problem. It can lead to diseases and the eventual decline and death of the plant. To prevent this, it's important to choose a suitable growing location with adequate sunlight and good drainage. If you have overwatered your potted Mullein foxglove, consider changing to a pot with better drainage and using loose soil when repotting.
How does mullein foxglove respond to low temperatures?
Mullein foxglove is notably cold-tolerant and performs best when the temperature remains above 20°C. It should be maintained above 0°C during winter months. Although it might not show visible changes if temperatures fall below -35°C, there could be a significant decrease in sprouting or a complete absence of sprouting when spring arrives. The solution for these situations is to remove any parts of the plant that fail to sprout as spring progresses.
How often should I give water to my Mullein foxglove?
Mullein foxglove requires regular watering throughout the growing season. In spring, water once per week. As the season progresses and temperatures rise, you may need to water two to three times per week. However, be careful not to excessively water, as it can harm the plant. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Watering Mullein foxglove in a pot is slightly different. Potted plants tend to dry out faster, so water container-grown Mullein foxglove a few times per week, compared to just once per week for plants in the ground.
What should I do if mullein foxglove is exposed to high temperatures?
During the summer, it's critical to ensure that mullein foxglove does not endure temperatures above 35°C. If the temperature climbs beyond 38°C, the plant's leaves may start turning lighter, become more prone to curling, suffer from sunburn, and in severe cases, the entire plant might wilt and dry out. To mitigate these issues, trim away any sunburned or dried-up parts of the plant. Relocate the plant to a shaded area, especially away from the harsh midday and afternoon sun, or utilize a shade cloth. Additionally, watering the plant during cooler times, such as in the morning and evening, helps keep the soil adequately moist and supports the plant's well-being in high temperatures.
How much water does my Mullein foxglove need?
When it comes to watering your Mullein foxglove plant, there are a few methods you can try. Some gardeners prefer to gauge the water amount by checking the soil moisture. In this case, you would water until the top six inches of soil feel damp. Another approach is to use a specific measurement: typically, Mullein foxgloves require about two gallons of water per week, depending on the temperature and soil dryness. But be cautious with this method, as your plant may need less water and overwatering can occur. When growing Mullein foxglove in a container, you need to take a different approach. In this case, water enough to moisten all the dry soil layers, which you can check by sticking your finger in the soil or seeing if water trickles out of the pot's drainage holes.
How do I know if I am giving enough water to my Mullein foxglove?
Keeping your Mullein foxglove properly watered can be a bit challenging. On one hand, you need to water the plants weekly to ensure the deep roots get enough moisture. However, be cautious as Mullein foxglove are prone to root rot and can turn brown if overwatered. Underwatering is less common as these plants can survive without additional watering for a while. However, if you neglect watering for too long, the plant will become wilted and the leaves may dry out.
How do I water my Mullein foxglove throughout the year?
To ensure the health of your Mullein foxglove, be mindful of its water needs throughout the seasons. In spring, watering once a week should suffice. However, as the summer heat intensifies, you will need to increase watering to about three times per week. This is particularly important for Mullein foxgloves grown in containers, as the soil tends to dry out faster. As autumn approaches and temperatures cool down, your Mullein foxglove may require less water since the sun's strength has decreased.
How do I water my Mullein foxglove as it grows?
Throughout the year, mullein foxglove goes through various growth stages, each with different water needs. When you first start with mullein foxglove as a seed, it's important to give it more water than it will need later in life. This means watering frequently to keep the soil consistently moist during the germination phase. After a few weeks, when the mullein foxglove starts growing above the soil, it will require slightly less water than it did as a seedling. Once the plant is fully mature, you can switch to watering it about once a week. However, during flower development, it may be necessary to provide slightly more water to support the process.
What's the difference between watering Mullein foxglove inside and outside?
Mullein foxglove plants usually thrive better outdoors for a few reasons. Firstly, they generally grow too tall to be accommodated indoors. Secondly, these plants require more sunlight than most indoor locations can provide on a daily basis. However, if you are able to create a suitable indoor environment, you might need to water your Mullein foxglove more frequently compared to when they are grown outdoors. This is because indoor areas tend to be drier, especially due to HVAC units, and the soil in containers can dry out more quickly than the soil in the ground.
