Excelsior Hybrids
Mixed-colour foxgloves with tall, dependable flower spikes for cottage gardens.
When to plant Foxgloves in Edinburgh
Digitalis purpurea
A hardy biennial for UK gardens. Sow this year, move sturdy plants into place, and they flower the next year. They often self-seed if you leave a few spikes. All parts are toxic. Wear gloves and wash your hands after handling.
150 cm · Partial Shade · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Edinburgh · last frost ≈ 4 May
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
18 May to 18 JulSow in trays around 18th May - 18th July. Press seed onto the surface and leave it uncovered. Keep just moist. Wear gloves. Wash your hands. All parts are toxic if eaten, including for pets.
- A spare seedbed works if you have no trays.
02
Thin Seedlings
8 Jun to 29 Aug Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, from 8th June - 29th August, prick them into pots, or thin a seedbed so the strongest have room.
03
Transplant Young Plants
2 Aug to 6 OctMove sturdy rosettes around 2nd August - 6th October. Space apart in moist, free-draining soil with some shade. Water in. Wear gloves.
04
Protect and Grow On
2 Aug to 5 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 2nd August, protect seedlings and new rosettes from slugs. Water in dry spells.
05
Flower and Deadhead
18 May to 16 Sept 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageSpikes open next summer, from 18th May 2027 through 16th September 2027. They will not flower in the year you sow. Deadhead spent spikes to keep the display going. Leave a few if you want self-sown plants later.
Companion plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Foxglove.
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested varieties
Popular varieties of Foxglove to consider
Sutton's Apricot
A softer apricot-pink form that works well in partial shade.
Alba
A white foxglove with clean-looking spikes that brightens darker corners.
Pam's Choice
Cream flowers with rich maroon markings inside each bloom.
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