About
Eremurus fuscus, the brown foxtail lily, is a herbaceous perennial reaching around 1.2 m in flower with fleshy roots and narrow, lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. Tall, erect spires of small, pendant, bell-like, pale-yellow flowers with brown tips and red-brown anthers are produced in early summer. A stately and unusual foxtail lily for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Eremurus, the foxtail lilies or desert candles, are herbaceous perennials growing from fleshy, star-like root crowns, with rosettes of strap-shaped basal leaves and tall, dense racemes of small, star-shaped flowers on erect, leafless stems in spring and early summer. Among the most dramatic of all border perennials.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Native toC Asia, Himalaya
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, free draining soil, in a sunny position with plenty of root space. May need staking in windy sites. Mulch with garden compost in autumn, but avoid covering the crown. Needs winter cold to flower, but protect young spring growth from frost. See eremurus cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningUnless seeds are required, spent flower spikes can be cut down at the base
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by division of mature plants, taking care to minimise root disturbance. Plants grown from seed may take 3-5 years to flower
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free