Digitalis mertonensis, commonly known as Strawberry Foxglove, is an ornamental plant valued for its distinctive flowers. This striking hybrid results from a cross between Digitalis purpurea (common foxglove) and Digitalis grandiflora (yellow foxglove). Its unique “crushed strawberry” pink or coppery-rose blooms, often with maroon spotted throats, are larger than those of its parent plants. These blooms are borne on tall spires, adding a vertical element and unusual color to garden settings. The plant’s attractive, often glossy green foliage remains appealing even outside of its blooming period.
Cultivation and Care
Strawberry Foxglove thrives in partial shade, though it can tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates. In regions with intense summer heat, providing afternoon shade helps protect the plant from scorching. The soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (ideally 6.0-7.0). While it can adapt to various soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, proper drainage is paramount to prevent waterlogging.
Consistent moisture benefits Digitalis mertonensis, especially during dry periods. Water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between applications. During warmer months, deep watering once a week or more frequently in very hot, dry weather ensures thorough saturation. In cooler periods, reduce watering frequency to every two weeks or less.
Strawberry Foxglove propagates through seeds or by dividing established clumps. While it can self-seed, hybrid plants may not always produce offspring identical to the parent if grown near other Digitalis species. Dividing clumps in early spring can extend the life of these short-lived perennials, which typically last two to three years. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants in spring helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.
Deadheading spent flower spikes encourages the plant to produce additional blooms and can extend the flowering season. Removing the main flower spike as it fades also promotes the growth of smaller side shoots. Digitalis mertonensis can be susceptible to common garden pests like aphids, slugs, and snails, and diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spot. Good air circulation and proper watering practices help minimize these issues, and affected plants may benefit from appropriate treatments if infestations become severe.
Safety Considerations
All parts of Digitalis mertonensis contain cardiac glycosides, making the plant highly toxic if ingested. These compounds significantly affect heart function. Symptoms of poisoning can manifest within a few hours and may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and general weakness. More serious effects involve the cardiovascular system, such as an irregular heartbeat, slow heart rate, or other cardiac arrhythmias. Drowsiness, lethargy, blurred vision, and dizziness can also occur.
Caution is advised when handling Digitalis mertonensis due to its toxicity. Wearing gloves is recommended to minimize direct skin contact, and hands should be thoroughly washed afterward. Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets, as accidental ingestion can lead to severe health consequences. The toxic compounds are not diminished by drying or boiling, so even dried plant material or contaminated hay can pose a risk.
In the event of suspected ingestion, immediate medical attention is necessary. Contact a local poison control center or emergency services without delay. Provide information about the person’s condition, the plant consumed, the time of ingestion, and the estimated amount. While Digitalis purpurea is a source for the cardiac medication digoxin, used to treat certain heart conditions, its medicinal use involves precisely controlled extractions and dosages under strict medical supervision, not for home preparation or consumption. The narrow margin between a therapeutic and toxic dose underscores the danger of ingesting any part of the raw plant.