African Foxglove (Ceratotheca triloba) is a striking heirloom flower that commands attention from summer through fall with its tall, elegant spires reaching 5 to 6 feet. Native to Africa, this heat-loving annual thrives in zones 9 and warmer, blooming reliably 112 days from seed to flower. The plant's drought tolerance and deer resistance make it surprisingly low-maintenance despite its dramatic presence, while its ability to attract pollinators transforms any garden into a living ecosystem.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
9-9
72in H x 36in W
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High
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Growing 60 to 72 inches tall with a spread of 24 to 36 inches, African Foxglove creates architectural interest that few annuals can match. It demands full sun and moderate water, performing best with about 1 inch per week but handling dry spells admirably once established. The extended bloom window from June through November means months of vertical color and pollinator activity without the fussiness of more temperamental tall flowers.
African Foxglove serves primarily as an ornamental flower in garden beds and borders, valued for its towering height and extended blooming season. It's excellent as a backdrop planting where it creates dramatic vertical lines and focal points, and works well in cutting gardens since the tall spires bring elegant height to arrangements.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil at 70 to 75°F and maintain consistent moisture by covering with a light sprinkling of vermiculite or a humidity dome until germination, which typically occurs within 7 to 20 days.
Transplant outdoors after your last frost date, when soil has warmed. Space plants according to their mature width of 24 to 36 inches.
In warm summer areas, sow seed directly in place after the last frost has passed.
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