Digitalis mertonensis Summer King - Foxglove

Digitalis mertonensis 'Summer King' is a biennial hybrid variety that stands out for the size of its beautifully coloured raspberry-pink flowers with a speckled garnet throat. The plant forms magnificent flowering spikes all summer long, which create a sensation at the back of borders or in romantic bouquets. Spectacular and refined, this foxglove complements all other plants, as it is not afraid of their roots. It is easy to cultivate, except in overly chalky and dry soils.

Digitalis mertonensis 'Summer King' is the result of hybridisation between Digitalis purpurea with purple flowers that we encounter in clearings, at the edges of woodlands, or simply along a path when the forest becomes less dense, and Digitalis grandiflora with large yellow flowers specifically found in mountainous areas. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant from the family Plantaginaceae . In its first year of life, the plant forms a basal clump measuring 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16in) in width, composed of pubescent crenate-dentate leaves, with the lower surface being reticulate. They are covered with slightly woolly, very light hairs, which give the leaves a greyish hue. In the second year, in May-June, several hollow but sturdy stems emerge from the rosette to reach a height of 1.40 m (5ft), bearing a dense floral spike composed of numerous tightly packed tubular flowers. This variety 'Summer King' offers abundant flowering but surprises with its exceptional flower size. Its large bell-shaped flowers open from the bottom to the top of the floral spike, offering nectar to bees and bumblebees.

The foxglove is easily recognizable by its finger-shaped flowers.  The flowers are bell-shaped, measuring 6 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in length, with fused petals, usually pendant with a slight upward inflection that reveals the throat.

Digitalis mertonensis Summer King will be ideal for landscaping the back of a border. It should be positioned in partial shade at the edge of woodlands, in sparsely dense copses, or in an alpine garden. It accompanies old roses or perennials with single flowers such as bellflowers, columbines, centaureas, masterworts, bugbanes, and silver candles... This impressive variety will also allow you to enjoy its flowering for a long time in a large pot on the patio. This magnificent plant, as graphic as an acanthus, also accompanies geraniums, heucheras, and feathery fern foliage in clear woodlands. Make the most of this wonder in your home by creating sumptuous bouquets.

The foxglove also has a dark reputation. Used for white or black magic purposes according to legends, all related to the presence of digitoxin in all parts of the plant. It subsequently proved to be a powerful cardiac tonic still used in the pharmaceutical industry. This plant is highly toxic if ingested.