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Foxglove - Strawberry ‘Summer King'
Seed Packet

Foxglove - Strawberry ‘Summer King'

Digitalis x mertonensis
This hybrid perennial foxglove originated in 1926. A winning hybrid of pink D. purpurea and yellow D. grandiflora, 'Summer King' has ample spires of crushed strawberry red flowers, a neat, compact form, and handsome foliage. It blooms early summer and is lovely with apricot calendulas and lavender larkspurs in humus-rich, well-drained soils.
SKU #S139
Caution: Poisonous. The purchaser assumes all liability related to the use of this product.
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Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
530
Lifecycle
Perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
4,
5,
6,
7,
8
Mature Size
3-4' h x 1-2' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Spring to summer
Color
Raspberry pink
Features
Great Cut Flower
Deer Resistant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
Attracts Hummingbirds
Notable
RHS Award of Garden Merit Winner
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Surface sow and press in lightly; requires light to germinate.
Sprout Time:
7-30 days
Starting Indoors:
10-12 weeks before last frost, sow in germinating mix; covering flat with humidity dome to retain moisture while seeds germinate. Keep at 60-65°F.
Starting Outdoors:
After last spring frost until early summer surface sow in a location with full sun. Part shade is best in hot summer locales. Will bloom the following year. Or sow in a nursery bed in June, transplanting to final spot in fall or early spring on a cloudy day. Do not allow seedlings to become crowded, transplant 6-8" apart when true leaves form.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
At last frost date.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Foxgloves are enchanting woodland's edge flowers where they shine against greenery, and impressive exclamation points in flower filled June borders. Deer avoid it, bees love it and if cut when just opening they last well in bouquets. This circa 1925 hybrid perennial is a tetraploid, and has larger flowers and better foliage than either parent. Deadhead after flowering, but allow some to self-sow, as strawberry foxgloves are short-lived perennials. Avoid locations that are wet in the winter. Poisonous if eaten. Use gloves and caution when handling.
Final Spacing:
1-1.5'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Water regularly—1" per week, more during particularly dry spells. Keep evenly moist, never saturated nor too dry for the best growth and flowering.
Soil pH:
Acidic to mildly alkaline.
Fertilizer:
Mix about 2" of compost into the soil at time of planting, and top-dress every spring with about 1".
Diseases & Pests:
Slugs can be troublesome. Prevent damage by sprinkling iron phosphate pellets on the ground around the plants during favorable conditions for slugs. Avoid powdery mildew and leaf spot with proper spacing in a location that has good air circulation.
When to Cut for Bouquets:
Harvest when about half of the florets are open.