Purple False Foxglove (Agalinis purpurea)

Agalinis purpurea, Purple False Foxglove, is an annual hemiparasitic wildflower native to eastern North America, featuring delicate purple-pink tubular flowers.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in moist conditions.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization due to hemiparasitic nature.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for best flowering.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Water regularly, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in moist conditions.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures.

Ideal growing range is 18-25 °C.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization due to hemiparasitic nature.

A light feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer once in spring is usually sufficient.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering, Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Annuals

Plant Height

0.3-1 m

Spread

0.1-0.3 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Linear to lanceolate

Flower Size

2-3 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Sep

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jun

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Aureolaria purpurea (L.) Farw.

Gerardia purpurea L.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderLamiales
familyOrobanchaceae
genusAgalinis
speciesAgalinis purpurea

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Additional Care Tips

Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during the growing season. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly in cooler weather.

Deadheading spent flowers can encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding if unwanted. Minimal pruning is otherwise required. Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring.

Easily grown from seed sown directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost. Seeds require light for germination. Can also be propagated by division of established plants in spring.

Not typically grown in pots. If container-grown, repot in spring before new growth begins. Choose a pot with good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.

FAQs

Is Agalinis purpurea a parasitic plant?

Yes, Agalinis purpurea is a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it attaches to the roots of host plants, typically grasses, to obtain water and nutrients.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Purple False Foxglove?

It prefers full sun to partial shade, moist, well-drained soils, and moderate temperatures. Consistent watering is important, especially during dry periods.

When does Agalinis purpurea bloom?

Purple False Foxglove typically blooms from mid-summer through fall, producing delicate purple-pink flowers.

How tall does Agalinis purpurea grow?

Mature plants usually reach a height of 0.3 to 1 meter (1 to 3 feet), with a relatively narrow spread.

Can Agalinis purpurea be grown in a garden?

Yes, it is well-suited for wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings, where its unique flowers and ecological role can be appreciated.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for best flowering.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Water regularly, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. Tolerates a range of soil types but thrives in moist conditions.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures.

Ideal growing range is 18-25 °C.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Requires minimal fertilization due to hemiparasitic nature.

A light feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer once in spring is usually sufficient.

Additional Care Tips

Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during the growing season. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering slightly in cooler weather.

Deadheading spent flowers can encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding if unwanted. Minimal pruning is otherwise required. Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring.

Easily grown from seed sown directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost. Seeds require light for germination. Can also be propagated by division of established plants in spring.

Not typically grown in pots. If container-grown, repot in spring before new growth begins. Choose a pot with good drainage and use a well-draining potting mix.

FAQs