Digitalis × mertonensis
strawberry foxglove
This striking and robust short-lived perennial that is a hybrid between the pink flowered Digitalis purpurea and the yellow flowered D. grandiflora. The resulting plant produces bell-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer, which are an intriguing mix of the two shades.
The resulting plant produces bell-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer, which are an intriguing mix of the two shades.
Digitalis × mertonensis has sturdy, upright stems and lush green foliage, making it a reliable choice for cottage gardens, woodland edges, and mixed borders. It thrives in dappled shade with moist, well-drained soil and will self-seed in favourable conditions, though less prolifically than D. purpurea. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second flush, while allowing some to go to seed will help maintain its presence in the garden for future seasons.
The resulting plant produces bell-shaped flowers in late spring and early summer, which are an intriguing mix of the two shades.
Digitalis × mertonensis has sturdy, upright stems and lush green foliage, making it a reliable choice for cottage gardens, woodland edges, and mixed borders. It thrives in dappled shade with moist, well-drained soil and will self-seed in favourable conditions, though less prolifically than D. purpurea. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second flush, while allowing some to go to seed will help maintain its presence in the garden for future seasons.
How to care for Digitalis × mertonensis:
Plant into a well-prepared border or woodland margin with plenty of organic matter (well-rotted compost). Ensure that the soil is kept moist in summer.
After the first flowerspikes have finished flowering, cut them back to encourage sideshoots to develop, which can go on to provide a second flush of flower. Then, when the last of these have died off, cut them all down to the ground.
Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the plant in early spring.
These plants are mainly biennial, although they will often self-seed freely.
After the first flowerspikes have finished flowering, cut them back to encourage sideshoots to develop, which can go on to provide a second flush of flower. Then, when the last of these have died off, cut them all down to the ground.
Apply a generous 5-7cm (2-3in) mulch of well-rotted organic matter around the plant in early spring.
These plants are mainly biennial, although they will often self-seed freely.
Sowing instructions:
Lightly press the seed onto the surface of a well-watered seed compost in mid to late spring and keep in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, pot on into individual cells and once they have developed a decent basal rosette of foliage they can be hardened off before planting out. They will usually start to flower in their second year.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
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Humans/Pets: TOXIC if eaten
9cm pot
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3 × 9cm pots
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6 × 9cm pots
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approx 1000 seeds
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