Excelsior Group Foxglove

Excelsior Group Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Group')

Excelsior Group Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Group') is a classic cottage favorite known for tall, elegant spires of tubular bells in blended shades of rose, purple, cream, and white, each throat handsomely speckled. Typically grown as a biennial or short lived perennial, it forms a neat rosette its first year and surges into bloom the second, adding strong vertical structure, pollinator interest, and romantic color to borders and naturalistic plantings.

Distinctive Features

Sturdy stems carry densely packed, outward facing bells from the lower spike upward, with richly freckled interiors for close up detail; uniform height, saturated color mix, and stately form create a dramatic backdrop or focal point in sunny to lightly shaded sites.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
• Soil: Rich, well drained, moisture retentive soil; avoid soggy conditions.
• Water: Moderate and even moisture, especially during bud and bloom.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 (often treated as a biennial).
• Mature Size: About 36 to 60 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide.
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer, with side shoot rebloom if deadheaded.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Tall spires add vertical architecture and layered color.
• Cottage Borders: Mixes beautifully with roses, delphinium, and nepeta.
• Back of Border: Uniform height frames mixed plantings without crowding.
• Pollinator Gardens: Nectar rich bells welcome bees and hummingbirds.
• Naturalistic Plantings: Self sows lightly to maintain a graceful presence.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep evenly moist during active growth; water deeply but infrequently once established.
• Deadheading: Remove spent spikes to encourage side shoots; allow some seed if naturalizing.
• Fertilizing: Top dress with compost in spring or apply a light, balanced slow release fertilizer.
• Staking: Usually unnecessary; stake in very windy exposures.
• Safety: All parts are toxic if ingested; site away from pets and children.

Why Choose Excelsior Group Foxglove?

• Iconic Cottage Style: Towering, speckled bells deliver classic charm.
• Strong Vertical Accent: Adds height and structure to mixed borders.
• Reliable Performer: Biennial habit with easy self seeding for continuity.
• Pollinator Friendly: Attracts bees and hummingbirds while typically deer resistant.
• Versatile Palette: Harmonizes with both pastels and bold color schemes.

Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Group' provides stately spires, freckled throats, and dependable garden drama, delivering months of vertical color and pollinator activity in sunny to lightly shaded, well drained borders and cottage plantings.