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Eremurus robustus (Foxtail Lily)

Foxtail Lily, Giant Desert Candle

AGM Award
Eremurus Robustus, Foxtail Lily, Giant Desert Candle, Foxtail Lilies

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
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
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Eremurus
Common names Foxtail Lily
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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Eremurus ‘Romance’ (Foxtail Lily)
Eremurus stenophyllus (Foxtail Lily)
Eremurus himalaicus (Himalayan Foxtail Lily)
Eremurus x isabellinus ‘Pinokkio’ (Foxtail Lily)
Eremurus ‘Foxtrot’ (Foxtail Lily)
Eremurus ‘Oase’ (Foxtail Lily)

Recommended Companion Plants

Nectaroscordum siculum (Sicilian Honey Garlic)
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Smooth Hydrangea)
Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ (Catmint)
Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A lovely Hedge Idea with Sword-Lilies and Foxtail Lilies
Eremurus (Foxtail Lily)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

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
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Eremurus
Common names Foxtail Lily
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)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Eremurus (Foxtail Lily)
Not sure which Eremurus (Foxtail Lily) to pick?
Compare Now

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