Foxglove, a birthday flower of May 23rd

Foxglove (Digitalis Purpurea), known in Japan as ジギタリス (Digitalis) or 狐の手袋 (“fox’s glove”), is a striking early‑summer flower admired for its tall spires and speckled, thimble‑shaped blooms. Although native to Europe, it has become a familiar presence in Japanese gardens. It is the birthday flower of May 23rd as well as March 27th and June 13th.

In the Japanese language of flowers, known as hanakotoba, foxglove carries the meanings “insincerity” and “ardent love.” The English flower meaning mirrors this, with “insincerity” given as its symbolic interpretation. These contrasting associations, passion on one hand, duplicity on the other, reflect the plant’s dual nature: beautiful yet highly toxic, enchanting yet dangerous. 

Foxgloves flowering period in Japan extends from May through August, though the most vibrant display occurs in late spring to early summer. In my area of Saitama, foxglove often blooms in rose gardens, hence I associate it with May mostly. I took the photo in this post in one such rose garden in the middle of May.