It is named from its finger-shaped corolla. The dried leaf of Digitalis Purpurea is a specific for disturbance of circulation, and is used in heart disease.
Its colors are pure white, white mottled with pencil-color, purple, lavender, from the palest to the deepest shades—some almost pink—all curiously mottled on the inside of the flower, which grows in tall spikes.
Sow Foxgloves in seed bed about last of April, and, late in September, transplant to their permanent place. They will bloom the following year.
Both Foxgloves and Canterbury Bells sow themselves profusely if stalk is left to perfect its seeds.
The self-sown plants are said to be stronger than the hand-sown ones, and may be transplanted for the next year's blooming.
CANTERBURY BELLS, Campanula medium
It has been suggested that "the name of Canterbury Bells may have been given to the giant species of Campanula from its resemblance to the hand-bells which were placed on poles, and rung by pilgrims while proceeding to the shrine of Thomas à Becket."
Chaucer, in his "Canterbury Tales," has described in detail these processions to the tomb of the "blisful martir."
The Canterbury Bell is, like the Foxglove, a biennial, and may be sown in the seed bed at the same time, or the self-sown plants may be used.