Overview
Digitalis × mertonensis is a columnar upright, clump forming, bushy, spreading branched herbaceous perennial in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen, deciduous foliage. Digitalis × mertonensis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soil soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and wildlife gardens.
About
Digitalis × mertonensis is a herbaceous perennial in the Plantaginaceae that flowers from June to August. It prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acidic and kept moist but not waterlogged. It is classed H5 for UK hardiness. All parts are toxic if eaten, so wear gloves when handling and keep it away from pets.
About the genus
Digitalis is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennial plants, shrubs, and biennials, commonly called foxgloves.
Wikipedia contributors, "Digitalis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Digitalis
In the garden
Digitalis × mertonensis is a herbaceous perennial within the Plantaginaceae that produces its main display from June to August. Gardeners use it where a reliable run of summer flowering is required, particularly in borders, cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly plantings. Give it a position in full sun or partial shade and a fertile, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH; maintain an even moisture level without waterlogging. It is classed H5, meaning it is hardy for general UK garden conditions, though very exposed sites can benefit from some shelter. Planting in groups on the middle or rear of a mixed border allows its summer flowers to contribute to the season’s sequence. All parts are toxic if eaten — wear gloves when handling and take care around pets and children — and position plants so blooms are visible but out of easy reach of animals or young children.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Digitalis
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, fertile soil
- Soil pH
- neutral to slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Digitalis × mertonensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Clump forming, Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen, Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, cottage gardens, wildlife gardens
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Digitalis × mertonensis
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent self-seeding.
- Propagation
- By seed or basal cuttings in spring.
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworm, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Digitalis × mertonensis?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Digitalis × mertonensis?
Digitalis × mertonensis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Digitalis × mertonensis need?
Digitalis × mertonensis grows best in well-drained and fertile soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Digitalis × mertonensis?
Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth and prevent self-seeding.
Is Digitalis × mertonensis hardy in the UK?
Digitalis × mertonensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Digitalis × mertonensis?
By seed or basal cuttings in spring.
Is Digitalis × mertonensis toxic?
TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.