Overview
Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' is a bushy, columnar upright, clump forming, spreading branched biennial in the genus Digitalis, part of the Plantaginaceae family, with semi evergreen, deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall and 0.8 m wide. Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Europe.
About
Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove or common foxglove, is a toxic species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, native to and widespread throughout most of temperate Europe. It has also naturalized in parts of North America, as well as some other temperate regions.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Digitalis purpurea
About the genus
Digitalis is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennial plants, shrubs, and biennials, commonly called foxgloves.
Wikipedia contributors, "Digitalis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Digitalis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Digitalis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Biennial, Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright, Clump forming, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen, Deciduous
- Height
- 1.2 m
- Spread
- 0.8 m
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Europe
- Toxicity
- Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove or common foxglove, is a toxic species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, native to and widesp
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Sow seeds in late spring in a cold frame. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding. Cut back foliage after flowering to promote healthy growth.
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, Division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Leaf and bud eelworms, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews, Downy mildews, Leaf spot
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid'?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions. Sow seeds in late spring in a cold frame. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding.
Where is the best place to plant Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid'?
Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' need?
Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid'?
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming and prevent self-seeding. Cut back foliage after flowering to promote healthy growth.
How big does Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' grow?
Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' reaches a height of 1.2 m and a spread of 0.8 m.
Is Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' hardy in the UK?
Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid'?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in late spring, Division in early spring.
Is Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Hybrid' toxic?
Digitalis purpurea, the foxglove or common foxglove, is a toxic species of flowering plant in the plantain family Plantaginaceae, native to and widesp.
