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Eremurus himalaicus (Himalayan Foxtail Lily)

Himalayan Foxtail Lily, Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle

Eremurus himalaicus, Himalayan Foxtail Lily, Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle, White Eremurus, White Foxtail Lily, White Flowers
Eremurus himalaicus, Himalayan Foxtail Lily, Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle, White Eremurus, White Foxtail Lily, White Flowers

The earliest to flower, Eremurus himalaicus (Foxtail Lily) is a stately perennial with showy flower spikes bearing densely-packed, pure white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm). Soaring from a rosette of bright green strap-shaped leaves, 20 in. long (50 cm), from late spring to early summer, each graceful flower spike gradually opens from the bottom upwards for a long-lasting display. The drama of the tall, pristine white spires is unforgettable. 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.

  • Grows up to 5-8 ft. tall (150-240 cm) with a spread of 1-2 ft. (30-60 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 the western Himalayas

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 Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height 5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
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, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

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

Recommended Companion Plants

Euphorbia griffithii ‘Fireglow’ (Spurge)
Orlaya grandiflora (White Lace Flower)
Knautia macedonica (Macedonian Scabious)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)

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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 Spring (Late), Summer (Early)
Height 5' - 8' (150cm - 240cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
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, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden, 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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