This hybrid of the native foxglove found here in the UK and the central European large yellow foxglove is popular with bees and butterflies. Grows to 75m tall and 30cm across in full shade or full sun and a moist but well-drained soil. Produces spikes of dusky pink flowers from May to July in its second year.
After planting, foxgloves spend their first year rooting in, growing leaves and building up strength, and then flower the year after.
Cut back main flower spike as it fades to encourage flowering side shoots. Clumps can be lifted and divided after flowering to extend their life.
Strawberry Foxglove / Digitalis x mertonensis
Position: Flower border
Flowering months: May_/ Jun / Jul
Light: Full sun / Mix of sun and shade / Dappled shade / Full Shade
Soil: Clay / Loam / Chalk / Sand
Tested in our local soil (t.i.o.l.s.): Yes
Drainage: Well drained / Moist but well-drained (never waterlogged)
Life cycle: Short-lived perennial (flowers for two-four years)
Hardiness: Fully hardy (in Bristol winters)
Over winter: Partially dies back (semi-evergreen)