Merton Foxglove
Best shade-loving perennial for gardeners seeking deer-resistant, pollinator-friendly floral displays.
Discover the Merton Foxglove, a captivating perennial hybrid developed in 1928, ready to bloom in its second year. Shipped as a potted plant, it immediately graces your garden with striking bell-shaped flowers in coppery-rose or strawberry red hues atop sturdy 3 to 4-foot stalks. This easy-care plant thrives in full to partial shade, showcasing lush green foliage. A delightful addition to any border, its deer-resistant nature ensures its beauty remains undisturbed. Consider trimming after the first bloom to encourage a potential second flowering.
$9.59
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1692
/ 3066
#1692 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-65%
Below average
Botanical Name
Digitalis grandiflora x purpurea (Digitalis x mertonensis)
/ Digitalis grandiflora x purpurea (Digitalis x mertonensis)
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking dramatic vertical color and height
- Conservationists looking to support local hummingbirds and bees
- Homeowners with woodland or partially shaded garden beds
Who should skip it
- Families with curious pets or small children
- Gardeners wanting consistent, year-over-year flowering without extra effort
- Minimalists preferring low-maintenance, non-spreading plant varieties
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A magnet for local bees and butterflies throughout the blooming season.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits from grazing on your garden borders.
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in darker garden corners where many other perennials struggle.
Visual Impact
Sturdy stalks and vibrant blooms provide significant height and color contrast.
Maintenance Ease
Simple care routine with potential for a second bloom after trimming.
Longevity
Short-lived habit requires occasional replanting to maintain a consistent display.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Digitalis grandiflora x purpurea (Digitalis x mertonensis)
Growing Zones
4-8
Mature Height
36-48 inches tall
Mature Width
12-24 inches wide
Flower Size
8-12 inch flowers
Soil Type
Well-Drained Soil, Loamy, Clay, Acidic
Light Requirement
Partial Shade to Full Shade
Ships As
Potted Plant
Features
- Attracts bees and butterflies
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Produces beautiful cut flowers
- Perennial with a short-lived habit
- May produce a second bloom
- Neonicotinoid-free formulation
What customers say
Customers express overwhelming satisfaction with the Merton Foxglove, focusing primarily on the exceptional quality and reliable performance. Reviewers consistently note the robust health of the plants upon arrival, crediting secure packaging. The deep rosy pink hue of this variety is frequently praised for creating a striking garden display. Experienced gardeners confirm the stock establishes well and reliably returns. While patience is required for the first year's bloom, those who wait universally report stunning, high impact results by the second season. The plant's ability to attract hummingbirds and pollinators adds significant ecological value. Overall, the Merton Foxglove delivers a dependable, dramatic perennial focal point.
Know before you buy
As a hybrid perennial that often behaves like a biennial, the Merton Foxglove typically establishes its foliage in the first year and produces its signature stalks in the second year.
This variety prefers partial to full shade. It performs best in areas protected from the harsh afternoon sun, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
Yes, the Merton Foxglove is generally avoided by deer and rabbits due to the bitter taste of its foliage. While no plant is 100% immune to hungry wildlife, it is a reliable choice for gardens prone to browsing.
Yes, you can often encourage a second flush of flowers by trimming the main stalk back once the first bloom cycle has finished. This helps the plant redirect energy into secondary growth.
They thrive in well-drained, loamy, or clay-based soils that are slightly acidic. Ensure the planting site does not stay waterlogged, as good drainage is essential for the health of the root system.
Absolutely. The Merton Foxglove is neonicotinoid-free and highly attractive to bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
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