Strawberry foxglove 'Summer King' Digitalis × mertonensis 'Summer King'

Water

Strawberry Foxglove needs to be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not soggy. Typically, watering once a week is sufficient, but this may vary depending on the climate and soil conditions. During hot, dry spells, it may require more frequent watering, possibly every other day. When watering, aim for the equivalent of 1 inch of rainfall—which is approximately half a gallon per square foot—applied directly to the soil to avoid wetting the foliage. During the winter months in cooler climates, reduce watering to match the plant's dormant state and prevent waterlogging.

Light

Strawberry Foxglove thrives in partial shade but can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. The ideal spot would offer morning sunlight and afternoon shade, especially in hotter regions, to protect the plant from the intense heat of the midday sun. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, while too little may result in a lack of flowering.

Temperature

Strawberry Foxglove prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit but requires protection from frost. Ideal growing conditions include daytime temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring the plant remains healthy and produces its characteristic blooms.

Pruning

Strawberry Foxglove should be pruned to remove spent flower spikes, which encourages the plant to produce more blooms and prevents self-sowing if seed spread is not desired. Pruning should be done after the primary flowering period, usually in the early to mid-summer. If the plant is not deadheaded, it can become weedy as it self-seeds prolifically.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Strawberry Foxglove thrives in well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of garden soil, peat, and perlite or coarse sand is ideal to maintain proper moisture and aeration.

Repotting

Strawberry Foxglove is typically not repotted as it's a perennial often grown outdoors; however, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot is sufficient.

Humidity & Misting

Strawberry Foxglove prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity found in most temperate outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, filtered light and keep in cool room.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA.

Life cycle

Digitalis × mertonensis 'Summer King', commonly known as Strawberry Foxglove, begins its life as a seed, which when germinated in early spring, under appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature, develops into a seedling. The seedling grows into a rosette of leaves in its first year, establishing a strong root system. In the second year, the plant sends up a tall spike (scape) from this rosette, which bears numerous tubular flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators. After flowering, typically from late spring to midsummer, depending on the climate, the plant produces seed capsules that release seeds for propagation. The parent plant may die after setting seeds, as Strawberry Foxglove is generally a biennial or short-lived perennial, but if conditions allow, it may survive and flower for several seasons. The cycle continues as new seeds germinate and grow, completing the life process of the plant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The common foxglove Hybrid 'Summer King' is typically propagated through seed. The optimal time for sowing is late winter to early spring, when temperatures are cool. Sow the seeds on the surface of a well-drained seed-starting mix as light aids germination, barely covering them. Keep the soil moist but not wet. These seeds generally germinate in about 14-21 days, when kept at a temperature of 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit (18-21 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and eventually moved to their final position in the garden after the last frost, respecting a spacing of about 18 inches (45 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth.