{"product_id":"foxglove-excelsior-mix","title":"Foxglove Excelsior Mix","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Mix'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eFoxglove 'Excelsior Mix'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe improved heritage Foxglove strain famous for its horizontal flower arrangement — bells held all around the stem rather than drooping to one side as the wild form does, creating a dense, symmetrical cylinder of cottage-garden colour up to 1.5m tall in creamy white, soft pink, deep rose and traditional purple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIf you want the wild romantic look of Foxgloves but with significantly more flower power per spire, 'Excelsior' is the variety to grow. The improved heritage strain — bred for symmetrical horizontal flower placement, creating denser, more uniform spikes than the wild form. Each majestic spire (typically reaching 1.2–1.5m) carries densely-packed bell flowers around the entire stem, in a generous mix of creamy white, soft pink, deep rose, and traditional purple, all with the classic speckled throats that bumblebees find irresistible. Hardy biennial (H7), surviving below -20°C. RHS Plants for Pollinators recognised. The architectural choice for formal cottage borders and design-led plantings where regular structure matters as much as wild charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA note on growing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFoxglove seeds are exceptionally fine and need light to germinate — never bury deeply. Sow indoors April–May, or directly outdoors May–July. Surface-sow onto moist compost. Do not cover with soil; very fine vermiculite optional. Maintain 15–20°C; germination 14–21 days. Plant out in autumn into shaded or semi-shaded position with moist well-drained soil. Year 1: rosette establishment. Year 2: spectacular flowering display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e⚠️ \u003cstrong\u003eImportant toxicity warning\u003c\/strong\u003e: All parts of Foxglove are highly toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Wear gloves when handling. Keep seed packets away from children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it shines\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eIn formal cottage borders where 'Excelsior's' improved symmetry and horizontal flower placement provides architectural quality. In design-led shaded plantings where regular structure matters. At the back of mixed cottage borders providing the essential vertical anchor. In dappled woodland edges and along north-facing fences. As cut flowers for substantial vertical arrangements (handle carefully given toxicity). As a self-seeding colony establishing wandering populations year after year — the 'Excelsior' colour palette persists reasonably well in self-sown offspring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant alongside\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eFor a complete English cottage spring-and-summer scheme, combine 'Excelsior Mix' with Honesty (Lunaria annua) for the classic biennial partnership, Aquilegia 'Barlow Mixed' for matching pastel-rich colour at mid-height, and Sweet Rocket (Hesperis matronalis) for fragrance and additional vertical structure. For wildlife-focused planting, the open accessible bells complement Echinacea purpurea and Verbena bonariensis for season-long pollinator forage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64766389649757,"sku":"FOX-EXC","price":2.15,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/1185\/5965\/files\/Gemini_Generated_Image_4579634579634579.png?v=1779457328","url":"https:\/\/turfstoreuk.com\/products\/foxglove-excelsior-mix","provider":"Turf Store UK ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}