Digitalis x mertonensis

Description

Digitalis x mertonensis – strawberry foxglove

Botanical name: Digitalis x mertonensis
Common names: Foxglove
Family: Plantaginaceae
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Habit: Tall, upright, with flower spires
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 75–90cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Rosettes of soft, downy, green leaves; the flower spikes rise from these
Flowers: Spires of large, tubular, crushed-strawberry to coppery-rose flowers in early to midsummer (June–July)
Scent: Not notably scented
Aspect / light: Partial shade to full sun
Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich, fertile; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H5 (hardy, to about −15°C); USDA zones 4–8
Exposure: Sheltered or open
Native range: Garden form; the common foxglove is native to Europe including the UK
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Highly toxic — all parts are very poisonous if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin; keep well away from children and pets

Digitalis x mertonensis, strawberry foxglove, is a perennial foxglove with spires of unusual crushed-strawberry, coppery-rose flowers in early summer. Longer-lived than most and superb for cottage and shady borders.

GardenAdvice notes

One of the most romantic and architectural of cottage-garden plants, the foxglove sends up tall, stately spires densely hung with tubular, often beautifully spotted flowers in early to midsummer, giving wonderful vertical drama, especially in a partly shaded or woodland-edge border. It is a great favourite with bumblebees, which disappear right inside the flowers. This is one of the longer-lived, perennial foxgloves, returning year after year.

Growing & planting

Plant in autumn or spring in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial shade to full sun — it is happy in a little shade and excellent at a woodland edge or in a cottage border. Space about 45cm apart. Water while establishing.

Care & maintenance

As a perennial it returns each year; cut back the flowered spikes to encourage a second flush and to keep it vigorous. Water in dry spells. Cut down old growth in autumn. Wear gloves when handling, as all parts are toxic and the sap can irritate skin.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in spring, as growth begins.
• Seed: Can be raised from seed sown in early summer.

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can occur, and slugs may graze the rosettes. Otherwise easy and reliable.

Uses in the garden

Superb in cottage, mixed, woodland-edge and wildlife borders and in partial shade, where its tall spires bring vertical drama and an old-fashioned charm, and draw in bumblebees; lovely for cutting.

Wildlife value

Foxglove is a superb plant for pollinators, especially long-tongued bumblebees, which are strongly drawn to the tubular flowers and crawl right inside them.

Toxicity & safety

Foxglove is highly toxic — all parts are very poisonous if eaten and can affect the heart, and the sap can irritate skin. Keep it well away from children and pets, site it accordingly, and wear gloves when handling or cutting it.

GardenAdvice tip

Strawberry foxglove is a lovely, unusual perennial foxglove, its large flowers a distinctive crushed-strawberry or coppery-rose shade unlike any other. Being perennial it’s longer-lived than the common foxglove; divide it every few years to keep it going, and cut back spent spikes for a possible second flush. As always with foxgloves, all parts are very poisonous, so site it with care.

Our plants are guaranteed for 24 months for more details Click Here