Growing Eremurus (Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle)

Eremurus grow from tuberous roots rather than a single bulb and will arrive as a star shaped cluster of fleshy roots around a central crown. They are very tender, so take care not to break them. (If there is breakage, let the root dry in the sun for 24 hours to heal.) Plant them in a full sun location with wind protection if needed.

Key to the success with Foxtail Lilies is the need for organically rich, well-drained soil. Sandy loam is ideal. Heavy soil is the leading reason Eremurus fail, so if your soil is clayish, consider planting them in raised beds. The addition of pea gravel may also improve drainage for heavy soils. They cannot tolerate soggy roots and will die off if the roots sit in water.

Eremurus also don’t like to have their roots disturbed. This can be challenging if you are planting them in an annual bed as the normal seasonal disturbance of digging and planting may be too much for them. Rather, consider planting them among or behind roses, or other perennials that won’t need disturbing. Situate Desert Candles at the back of a bed with evergreens behind for a stunning display.

When planting Eremurus bulbs, dig a wide hole, enrich with compost or other organic matter and create a mound in the center to hold the bud, pointed end up, at a depth of 2-3 inches. Carefully spread the roots around the mound and cover well. To ensure good drainage, plants may be planted in a raised area, above grade by 2-3 inches. Place tubers 1-2 feet apart. Plant in a row or in groups of 5 for maximum impact. Water well, gently soaking the soil. Provide consistent water through the growing season, after the plant goes into dormancy, watering may be reduced. Once established, Eremurus is quite drought tolerant.

Mulch well in fall. In cold areas, cover the planting area with pine boughs for extra protection and to delay early sprouts. Foxtail Lily will send up stems much like asparagus in spring. Protect them from late frosts by covering emerging plants with cardboard boxes, cloche, buckets, etc. if needed. As the flower spikes grow, be sure to stake them if wind could be a problem. The flower spires make dramatic, long-lasting cut flowers too. Once flowering has finished the spikes may be trimmed back or leave them for vertical garden interest. Be sure to leave the foliage as the leaves will replenish the bulbs for the coming season. Water weekly to maintain moisture levels. Once the foliage has yellowed and died back it may be removed as the plant is now dormant, and watering is no longer necessary. Mark the spot where your foxtails are to create a ‘do not disturb’ area.

Pollinators love Foxtail Lilies! The plentiful open flowers of each spike attract many of our smaller beneficial pollinators, including honey bees and bumble bees.

Eremurus likes its space! Don’t crowd it by overplanting with other plants. Rather plant at the back of the bed and consider peonies, roses, Dutch iris, allium and other late spring to early summer bloomers as neighbors.