Eremurus robustus (Foxtail Lily)
Spectacular in full bloom, Eremurus robustus (Foxtail Lily) is a breathtaking perennial with huge flower spikes bearing up to 800 tiny flowers, the petals a pale peachy pink eventually bleaching to white, with contrasting orange stamens and a golden-yellow central boss. Soaring from a rosette of bluish-green strap-shaped leaves from early to mid-summer, each graceful flower spike gradually opens from the bottom upwards for a long-lasting display (three weeks or so). Rising high on imposing stalks, this Foxtail Lily adds drama and stunning vertical lines in the garden. Since the foliage withers back during the flowering period, plant your Eremurus among ground covers, late-flowering perennials, or tall grasses that will hide the short-lived foliage and provide added attractiveness.
- Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
- Grows up to 5-10 ft. tall (150-300 cm) with a spread of 2-3 ft. (60-90 cm). This plant naturalizes well and comes back year after year.
- Thrives in full sun, in rich and well-drained soils. Easy to grow, Foxtail Lilies are not fussy about soil conditions as long as there is excellent drainage. Good drought tolerance.
- Virtually pest and disease-free, Foxtail Lilies attract the energy of butterflies and hummingbirds but are deer and critter-resistant.
- Stunning in front of a dark background, at the back of the border, in prairie plantings, or as cut flowers. Plant in groups of 5 minimum for best visual impact.
- Plant in early fall (in mild climates) or in spring (cold climates) in a sheltered location to protect your Eremurus from strong winds. Although the tubers are winter-hardy, a mulch layer is highly recommended.
- Plant your bulbs deep enough so that the top of the crown is only covered with 2 in. (5 cm) of soil. Allow space around each plant as it likes the sun to warm its tubers. Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. After flowering, you may reduce watering.
- Native to central Asia
Requirements
Hardiness | 5 – 8 |
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Heat Zones | 5 – 8 |
Climate Zones | 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 |
Plant Type | Bulbs, Perennials |
Plant Family | Eremurus – Foxtail Lilies |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid) |
Height | 5' – 10' (150cm – 3m) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
Depth | 10" (25cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow |