White Flower Farm
Digitalis purpurea Excelsior Hybrids
Best vertical accent for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, deer-resistant woodland blooms.
Digitalis purpurea Excelsior Hybrids, commonly known as Foxglove, are striking biennials that create dramatic vertical accents in the garden. These plants produce towering spikes of funnel-shaped blooms in harmonious shades of pink, lavender pink, and pure white throughout June and July. While typically short-lived, they readily self-seed, ensuring a continuous display. Their evergreen foliage provides winter interest, making them a valuable addition to woodland gardens or as specimen plantings. They thrive in loamy, well-drained soil and prefer full sun to partial shade.
$49.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1787
/ 3268
#1787 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
+77%
Above average
Mature Height
4
/ feet
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking height and architectural drama in flower beds
- Plant lovers wanting maximum visibility of colorful floral throats
- Conservationists looking to support local hummingbirds and native bees
Who should skip it
- Families with small children or curious pets at home
- Gardeners preferring low-maintenance, long-lived perennial plantings
- Minimalists wanting to avoid constant weeding of unwanted seedlings
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Towering spikes create an unmatched vertical focal point in any garden.
Wildlife Resilience
Reliably deters deer while actively inviting bees and butterflies to visit.
Self-Sowing Reliability
Readily drops seeds to ensure a consistent presence year after year.
Seasonal Versatility
Evergreen foliage maintains visual interest long after the summer blooms fade.
Adaptability Range
Thrives across a wide spectrum of USDA zones from four through ten.
Pet Safety
Highly toxic to pets; requires careful placement away from curious animals.
Key Specs
Mature Height
4 feet
Bloom Time
June and July
Hardiness Zones
USDA 4 to 10
Plant Life Cycle
Biennial
Soil Type Requirement
Loamy, Well-Drained
Planting Spacing
12 inches recommended
Shipped Size
1 PINT container
Growth Habit
Upright
Features
- Dramatic vertical garden accents
- Flowers in harmonious pink and white shades
- Readily self-seeds for continuous display
- Evergreen foliage provides winter interest
- Excellent for cut flower arrangements
- Deer resistant garden performer
- Suitable for woodland garden settings
What customers say
Customers adore these Excelsior Hybrids, calling them garden jewels for their spectacular height and robust, multi-hued spires. Reviewers consistently praise the plants' vigor upon arrival, noting superior packaging and healthy roots ensure successful establishment. The impressive color range adds sophisticated vertical interest to perennial beds. Reliability is a major selling point once established, delivering a classic cottage garden look. While the premium price point slightly tempers the value perception, most agree the quality justifies the investment. A few new gardeners express initial confusion regarding the biennial nature, expecting blooms the first year. Overall, these are highly recommended for dramatic, show-stopping results and dependable performance.
Know before you buy
Digitalis purpurea typically spends its first year establishing a rosette of foliage and will produce its signature flower spikes in its second year. However, because they readily self-seed, you will eventually have a staggered cycle where new plants are emerging while others are blooming.
To maintain a continuous display, allow the flower spikes to remain on the plant after they finish blooming so they can drop their seeds. If you prefer a tidier garden, you can shake the spent stalks over the soil to encourage natural propagation.
No, Foxglove is toxic if ingested by pets or humans. It is best to plant them in areas where curious animals or small children are not likely to graze or play.
Yes, they perform well in partial shade, making them an excellent choice for woodland-style gardens. While they can handle full sun, they appreciate some protection from the intense afternoon heat in warmer zones.
No, these are considered deer resistant. Their bitter taste generally discourages deer from browsing on them, making them a reliable choice for gardens prone to wildlife pressure.
We recommend spacing them 12 inches apart. This allows enough airflow for the foliage while ensuring the vertical spikes create a dense, dramatic impact when they bloom in early summer.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$49