Woodlands & Shade Seeds

Foxglove 'Excelsior' Mix Seeds (Digitalis purpurea – Biennial)

The Foxglove 'Excelsior' Mix is one of the most admired cottage garden classics, producing tall, elegant spires of tubular flowers in shades of rose, lavender, purple, cream, and white, often marked with speckled throats. Unlike traditional foxgloves, the Excelsior strain displays its flowers all around the stem, creating a fuller and more impressive floral column. As a biennial, it flowers in the second year after sowing and readily self-seeds for future displays.

What Makes It Special

• Traditional cottage garden favorite with tall, majestic flower spikes

• Excelsior strain bears blooms on all sides of the stem for maximum impact

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

• Excellent cut flower and stunning for borders or woodland plantings

Key Features

• Botanical name: Digitalis purpurea

• Variety: 'Excelsior' Mix

• Height/Spread: 120–150 cm tall, 40–60 cm spread

• Position: Partial shade to sun; prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil

• Flowering period: Late spring to mid-summer (second year)

• Lifespan: Biennial, often self-seeds for naturalized displays

Ideal For

• Cottage and woodland-style gardens

• Back borders for height and structure

• Naturalizing in shaded areas

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: Late spring to summer (May–July) for flowering the following year.

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds on the surface of moist compost (do not cover – light aids germination).

   • Keep at 18–22°C until germination (14–30 days).

   • Transplant seedlings 45 cm apart in borders or beds.

3. Care: Water regularly, especially in dry spells. Remove spent flower spikes to extend blooming, or allow some to seed for natural regeneration.

Chinese Foxglove – Seeds

(Rehmannia angulata)

Chinese Foxglove (Rehmannia angulata) is a striking perennial known for its elegant, tubular purple flowers and lush green foliage. Blooming from late summer to autumn, it adds a touch of exotic beauty to garden borders, woodland settings, and mixed perennial beds. Hardy and low-maintenance, it attracts pollinators and provides long-lasting color.

Why Grow Chinese Foxglove?

• Tubular, violet-purple blooms for late-season color

• Hardy and easy-to-grow perennial

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Adds height and elegance to borders

Key Features

• Type: Perennial

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Flowers: Late summer to autumn

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained

Ideal For

• Cottage and mixed perennial borders

• Woodland and naturalistic gardens

• Pollinator-friendly planting

• Late-season color accents

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: Early spring in pots or trays at 18–20°C

• Germination: 14–28 days

• Transplant: Plant out after last frost

• Care: Water regularly and mulch to retain moisture; minimal maintenance required

Venus’s Navelwort Seeds (Omphalodes linifolia)

Add charming groundcover to shaded areas with Venus’s Navelwort (Omphalodes linifolia). This perennial produces delicate, star-shaped blue flowers above lush green foliage, forming a carpet of color in spring and early summer. Hardy and easy to grow, it’s perfect for woodland gardens, borders, and shady rock gardens, attracting pollinators and adding a soft, natural touch.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors in late winter or outdoors in early spring.

• Use well-drained, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade.

• Scatter seeds thinly on the soil surface and press lightly; do not cover.

• Keep soil consistently moist until germination (14–28 days).

• Thin seedlings to 20–25 cm apart once established.

• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and encourage healthy growth.

Key Features

• Delicate star-shaped blue flowers over lush green foliage

• Hardy perennial, forming a dense groundcover

• Ideal for shaded borders, woodland gardens, and rock gardens

• Attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies

• Low-maintenance and long-lasting

Ideal For

• Shaded garden beds and borders

• Woodland and cottage-style gardens

• Rock gardens and naturalized plantings

• Pollinator-friendly landscapes

Sowing

• Best time: Late winter indoors or early spring outdoors

• Germination: 14–28 days

• Sow thinly, press lightly, do not cover

• Prefers partial to full shade and well-drained, humus-rich soil

Quick Tip

• Provide consistent moisture and partial shade for best flowering and lush foliage.

Columbine 'Mrs. Scott Elliott' Mix Seeds (Aquilegia caerulea)

Graceful and colorful, Columbine 'Mrs. Scott Elliott' Mix produces elegant nodding flowers in a wide range of shades including blue, pink, yellow, red, and white. Each bloom has long spurs, giving them a delicate, airy charm. A hardy perennial, Columbine thrives in borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized plantings while attracting bees and butterflies.

What Makes It Special

• Wide mix of elegant, spurred flowers

• Hardy, easy to grow, and long-lasting

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators

Key Features

• Botanical name: Aquilegia caerulea

• Hardy perennial

• Height: 60–80 cm (24–32 in)

• Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens and mixed borders

• Wildlife and pollinator-friendly gardens

• Naturalized or woodland plantings

Sowing

• Sow indoors Feb–Apr or outdoors Apr–Jun

• Cover lightly with soil; requires light for germination

• Germination: 21–35 days at 15–20°C

• Thin seedlings 30 cm apart

• Flowers the second year after sowing

Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest' – Seeds (Rudbeckia hirta)

Rudbeckia 'Autumn Forest' is a striking variety of Black-Eyed Susan with warm, fiery shades of red, bronze, orange, and golden yellow – like the colors of a glowing autumn woodland. Its daisy-like flowers with dark centers bloom generously over summer and early autumn, creating a bold display that attracts bees and butterflies.

What Makes It Special

• Brilliant mix of autumn-toned blooms

• Long flowering season with continuous color

• Pollinator-friendly, attracting bees and butterflies

• Excellent for cutting, borders, and containers

Key Features

• Botanical name: Rudbeckia hirta

• Common name: Black-Eyed Susan

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 45–60 cm tall, bushy habit

• Position: Full sun; fertile, well-drained soil

• Flowering period: June–October

Ideal For

• Cottage gardens and wildlife-friendly borders

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Container displays

• Cut flower arrangements

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: February–April indoors; April–June outdoors

2. How to sow:

   • Sow thinly on the surface of moist compost, press lightly, and cover very lightly with fine compost or vermiculite

   • Maintain 18–22°C; germination takes 7–21 days

3. Transplanting: Prick out seedlings when large enough; plant outdoors after frost

4. Care: Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering. Water well in dry spells.

Columbine ‘William Guinness’ – Seeds

(Aquilegia vulgaris)

Columbine ‘William Guinness’ is a charming perennial featuring elegant, spurred flowers in deep, rich blue-violet shades with contrasting yellow centers. Its graceful, nodding blooms make it a standout in borders, cottage gardens, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Easy to grow and long-lasting, this variety adds height and sophistication to any garden.

Why Grow Columbine ‘William Guinness’?

• Striking blue-violet spurred flowers with yellow centers

• Hardy perennial, easy to grow

• Long flowering period in late spring to early summer

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Key Features

• Type: Hardy perennial

• Height: 60–90 cm

• Flowers: Late spring to early summer

• Position: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Cottage and mixed borders

• Pollinator-friendly gardens

• Woodland and naturalistic plantings

• Adding vertical elegance to flower beds

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–20°C

• Transplant: Harden off and plant outside after last frost

• Care: Water moderately, mulch to retain moisture, deadhead to prolong blooms

Woodland Sage Seeds (Salvia nemorosa)

Woodland Sage is a hardy perennial prized for its upright spires of violet-blue flowers that bloom from early summer into autumn. With aromatic foliage and a long flowering season, it’s a pollinator magnet, attracting bees and butterflies all season long. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established, it’s a reliable choice for borders, cottage gardens, and naturalistic plantings.

What Makes It Special

• Striking violet-blue flower spikes that bloom for months

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators

• Low-maintenance, hardy, and drought-tolerant

Key Features

• Botanical name: Salvia nemorosa

• Hardy perennial

• Height: 40–60 cm (16–24 in)

• Bloom time: Early summer to autumn

• Aromatic foliage

Ideal For

• Borders and cottage gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Naturalistic and dry gardens

Sowing

• Sow indoors Feb–Apr or outdoors Apr–Jun

• Press seeds lightly into soil; do not cover deeply

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–22°C

• Space plants 30–40 cm apart

• Flowers from the second year onward

Woodland Tobacco Plant White Seeds (Nicotiana sylvestris)

Woodland Tobacco Plant White is a tall, elegant annual with long, tubular, fragrant white flowers that bloom in summer and autumn. Its stately, upright habit makes it ideal for back borders, large containers, or mixed garden beds. Loved for its dramatic height, lovely scent, and long flowering period, it adds sophistication and fragrance to any garden.

What Makes It Special

• Tall, elegant white tubular flowers with a sweet fragrance

• Long-flowering from summer to autumn

• Upright, dramatic growth perfect for back borders and large displays

• Attracts pollinators and adds architectural interest

Key Features

• Botanical name: Nicotiana sylvestris

• Variety: White

• Seed count: Approx. seeds per pack

• Height/Spread: 120–180 cm tall, 40–60 cm spread

• Position: Full sun to partial shade; fertile, well-drained soil

• Flowering period: July–October

Ideal For

• Back borders and large garden beds

• Containers and patios (with support)

• Cutting gardens for fragrant blooms

• Pollinator-friendly and dramatic garden displays

Sowing Instructions

1. When to sow: February–April indoors; March–May outdoors

2. How to sow:

   • Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed compost and press lightly; do not cover

   • Germination occurs in 10–14 days at 18–22°C

3. Transplanting: Plant seedlings outdoors 30–50 cm apart after frost

4. Care: Water moderately; provide support if necessary; deadhead faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming

Golden Columbine Seeds (Aquilegia chrysantha)

Bright and graceful, Golden Columbine produces striking yellow, spurred flowers that nod delicately above fern-like foliage. Native to North America, this hardy perennial is known for its long spurs and cheerful color, bringing light and elegance to borders, rock gardens, and natural plantings. Highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

What Makes It Special

• Brilliant golden-yellow blooms with long spurs

• Native perennial, hardy and easy to grow

• Excellent for pollinator-friendly gardens

Key Features

• Botanical name: Aquilegia chrysantha

• Hardy perennial

• Height: 60–90 cm (24–36 in)

• Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Ideal For

• Cottage and rock gardens

• Wildlife and pollinator-friendly spaces

• Naturalized and woodland plantings

Sowing

• Sow indoors Feb–Apr or outdoors Apr–Jun

• Lightly cover seeds; needs some light to germinate

• Germination: 21–35 days at 15–20°C

• Thin seedlings 30 cm apart

• Flowers from the second year after sowing