Foxglove ‘Excelsior’

Digitalis purpurea

Features

  • Medium producer
  • Pollinator-friendly
  • Suitable for partial shade
  • Toxic

Description

This old-fashioned mix is a beautiful blend of rich purple, lilac, lavender-blush, and white spires with freckled chocolate and white throats. This mix looks identical to wild foxglove. Stunning in the garden and when arranged en masse.

Please note: All parts of foxglove are poisonous, including the seeds. Use caution around children and pets.

Details

Plant type: biennial
Height: 48 to 72 in
Site: suitable for some degree of shade
Days to maturity: 330 to 360 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seed from late spring to early summer and plant seedlings in the garden at least 6 weeks before your first autumn frost. Plants will overwinter in the garden and bloom the following spring. Seeds are very small; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when just a few bottom blossoms are open, before the bees pollinate the flowers. Expect a vase life of 6 to 8 days.

Details

Description

This old-fashioned mix is a beautiful blend of rich purple, lilac, lavender-blush, and white spires with freckled chocolate and white throats. This mix looks identical to wild foxglove. Stunning in the garden and when arranged en masse.

Please note: All parts of foxglove are poisonous, including the seeds. Use caution around children and pets.

Details

Plant type: biennial
Height: 48 to 72 in
Site: suitable for some degree of shade
Days to maturity: 330 to 360 days
Plant spacing: 9 to 12 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Sow seed from late spring to early summer and plant seedlings in the garden at least 6 weeks before your first autumn frost. Plants will overwinter in the garden and bloom the following spring. Seeds are very small; bottom-watering is recommended until plants emerge.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when just a few bottom blossoms are open, before the bees pollinate the flowers. Expect a vase life of 6 to 8 days.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.