How to Grow Foxglove Excelsior

Foxglove Excelsior

Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior'

flower

Foxglove Excelsior is a stunning biennial or short-lived perennial cultivar known for its tall spires of tubular flowers arranged in dense, vertical clusters. The blooms typically display colors ranging from pink, purple, and white to deep burgundy, often with contrasting spotted throats. This classic cottage garden plant can reach 4-6 feet in height, making it an impressive backdrop for garden beds.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to full sun; 4-6 hours of sunlight daily preferred, afternoon shade in hotter climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season. Water at soil level to avoid wetting foliage. Reduce watering after flowering. In dry periods, water 1-2 times per week.

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days from seed to flowering (second year bloom for biennial); first-year rosette formation

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Planting depth: Scatter seeds on soil surface or press lightly; do not cover, as seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil with moderate fertility

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure for organic matter Perlite or sand to improve drainage Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes foliage over flowers

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-8; prefers cooler climates and struggles in hot, humid summers

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny green cotyledons emerge within 10-14 days. True leaves follow, forming small rosettes.

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings to appropriate spacing.

Rosette Formation

8-10 months

First year growth results in a low basal rosette of large, fuzzy, textured leaves; no flowers yet.

Water regularly. Protect from harsh winter conditions in colder zones with mulch. Remove any flower spikes that appear.

Stem Elongation

4-6 weeks

In spring of second year, a thick central stem emerges and rapidly extends upward, reaching 4-6 feet tall.

Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage. Ensure consistent moisture. Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer.

Flowering

6-8 weeks

Dense spires of tubular flowers open progressively from bottom to top over several weeks. Flowers may be pink, purple, white, or burgundy with spotted throats.

Deadhead spent flowers below the bloom to encourage longer blooming. Water consistently. Support tall stems with stakes.

Seed Maturation

4-6 weeks

Flowers fade and dry; seed pods develop and mature to brown, papery capsules containing thousands of tiny seeds.

Allow pods to dry on plant if self-seeding is desired. Harvest pods before they split open for seed collection.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Delphiniums Liatris Peonies Roses Lavender Salvia Catmint Alliums Ferns

Avoid planting near:

Dense shade producers that compete for light Very dry-soil-preferring plants Aggressive spreaders that may crowd them out

Common Pests

Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe. Increase humidity around plants.
Remove by hand or spray with strong water stream. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
and
Hand-pick in early morning or evening. Apply copper tape around pots. Use slug baits or encourage ground beetles.
Remove affected leaves. Improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage when watering. Apply fungicide if severe.
Ensure good air circulation and spacing. Spray with sulfur dust or fungicide. Remove heavily infected leaves.

Uses

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Not for consumption

Culinary

Foxglove is HIGHLY TOXIC and should never be ingested. All parts contain cardiac glycosides. This plant is for ornamental display only. [source]

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Historical pharmaceutical use

Medicinal

Digitalis purpurea is the source of digitoxin and digoxin, cardiac glycosides used to treat heart conditions. However, only pharmaceutical-grade extracts should be used under medical supervision; homemade preparations are dangerous. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements

Craft

The tall, dramatic flower spires are prized by florists and gardeners for creating vertical interest in fresh flower arrangements and cottage-style bouquets. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

Foxglove flowers are excellent nectar sources for bumblebees, honeybees, and long-tongued insects. The spotted throats act as nectar guides. [source]

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Cottage garden focal point

Household

Excelsior's tall stature and colorful spires make it an iconic element of traditional English cottage gardens and provide dramatic vertical structure. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Foxglove Excelsior is grown as an ornamental flower rather than harvested for culinary or medicinal use. To collect seeds, allow seed pods to dry on the plant, then cut stems and shake seeds into a paper bag. Harvest in fall when pods turn brown and papery. Store seeds in a cool, dry place for spring sowing. Cut flowers for arrangements when the bottom 1/3 of blooms have opened.

Fun Facts

🌱 Foxglove Excelsior can self-seed prolifically; seeds remain viable in soil for years, creating naturalized stands in favorable conditions.
🌱 The name 'Excelsior' means 'ever upward' in Latin, referring to this cultivar's exceptional height and upright growth habit compared to other foxglove varieties.
🌱 Foxgloves are biennials in cool climates but may behave as short-lived perennials (lasting 2-3 years) in ideal conditions, especially if prevented from setting seed.

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