Excelsior Hybrids
Mixed-colour foxgloves with tall, dependable flower spikes for cottage gardens.
When to plant Foxgloves in Nottingham
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 Nottingham · last frost ≈ 20 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow indoors | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 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 | Yes | No | No |
Growing guide
What to do through the growing season
01
Sow Seeds
4 May to 9 AugSow in trays around 4th May - 9th August. 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
25 May to 20 Sept Dates as each sowing reaches this stageWhen seedlings are large enough to handle, from 25th May - 20th September, prick them into pots, or thin a seedbed so the strongest have room.
03
Transplant Young Plants
24 Aug to 28 OctMove sturdy rosettes around 24th August - 28th October. Space apart in moist, free-draining soil with some shade. Water in. Wear gloves.
04
Protect and Grow On
24 Aug to 27 Dec Dates as each sowing reaches this stageFrom 24th August, protect seedlings and new rosettes from slugs. Water in dry spells.
05
Flower and Deadhead
4 May to 8 Oct 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stageSpikes open next summer, from 4th May 2027 through 8th October 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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