Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle, Giant Desert Candle
Eremurus (Foxtail Lilies) – Impressive tall perennials with striking flower spikes, adding dramatic height and beauty to the garden.
Eremurus, commonly known as Foxtail Lilies or Desert Candles, are majestic perennials native to western and central Asia.
Habit and Size: These exotic-looking plants produce impressive tall flower spikes that can reach up to 4-8 feet in height (1.2-2.4 meters), depending on the variety.
Foliage: Foxtail Lilies are adorned with long, slender, grass-like leaves that emerge at the base of the plant. These leaves usually wither before or during the blooming season.
Flowers: Long, sturdy, round flower spires, densely packed with small, star-shaped flowers, open sequentially from bottom to top, offering a long-lasting display. They rise well above the foliage, giving the plants an open and airy feel. The flowers can be white, yellow, pink or orange.
Blooming season: Foxtail lily blooms for several weeks in late spring to mid-summer.
Hardiness: They are hardy in USDA zones 5-8 and thrive best in full sunlight and well-drained soil.
Uses: Eremurus are superb as cut flowers and stunning in the garden, where their tall flower spikes serve as a magnet for bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to a pollinator garden. They also add a touch of drama in the landscape when planted in groups in borders or against a background of shrubs.
Pollinators: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, with their vibrant and nectar-rich flowers.
Toxicity: Eremurus are not known to be toxic to humans or pets, but as always, it’s best to prevent ingestion.
Deer and Rabbit: The plants are also generally resistant to deer and rabbit browsing.
Drought tolerance: Although Foxtail Lilies are drought-tolerant once established, they appreciate regular watering during their growth and blooming period.
Invasiveness: These plants are not considered invasive.
A unique fact about Eremurus is the unusual shape of its root system. It has a central growing point surrounded by fleshy roots that extend outward, similar to a starfish or spider. This makes them somewhat tricky to plant but adds to their unique charm.
There are many reasons why you should consider growing Foxtail Lily (Eremurus) in your garden:
Dramatic Display: Foxtail Lilies produce tall, dramatic flower spikes packed with numerous star-shaped flowers, providing a visually arresting display in your garden.
Attracts Pollinators: These plants are fantastic for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plants are generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, a real bonus for gardeners dealing with these common garden pests.
Excellent Cut Flowers: The tall, sturdy flower spikes make excellent cut flowers, adding drama and height to floral arrangements.
Low Maintenance: Foxtail Lilies are easy to care for once established, requiring minimal maintenance aside from ensuring they have well-drained soil and enough sunlight.
In essence, the Foxtail Lily offers gardeners an opportunity to add an exotic touch, structural height, and stunning beauty to their outdoor space.
Hardiness |
5 - 8 |
---|---|
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 | Perennials |
Genus | Eremurus |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid) |
Height | 3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Hardiness |
5 - 8 |
---|---|
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 | Perennials |
Genus | Eremurus |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid) |
Height | 3' - 8' (90cm - 240cm) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Rabbit |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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