Overview
Eremurus 'Highdown' is a perennial in the genus Eremurus, part of the Asphodelaceae family. Eremurus 'Highdown' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soil soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and rock gardens.
About
Eremurus 'Highdown' is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for its May to July flowering and frequent use as a cut flower. It favours full sun and well-drained sandy or loamy soil, tolerating dry to medium moisture levels. Plant in a sheltered spot and note it is rated H5 (hardy) for UK gardens. Recommended uses include borders, rock gardens and cutting beds.
About the genus
Eremurus is a genus of deciduous perennial flowers in the family Asphodelaceae. They are also known as the foxtail lilies or desert candles.
In the garden
Eremurus 'Highdown' is a herbaceous perennial in the Asphodelaceae valued for its seasonal flowering from May to July and its suitability for cut blooms. The plant is best placed where its flowering period can be appreciated and stems can be accessed for cutting. Give Eremurus 'Highdown' a sunny, sheltered site with well-drained sandy or loamy soil; it prefers dry to medium soil moisture rather than heavy, waterlogged conditions. It is rated H5 (hardy), so it will withstand normal UK winters when planted in a free-draining position; avoid exposed, water-logged hollows. Shelter from strong prevailing winds to reduce damage while flowering. Use it in herbaceous borders where flowering stems can rise above lower plants, in rock gardens with free-draining substrate, or in a cutting patch for seasonal bouquets. When cutting for arrangements, harvest stems during the May to July flowering window while several buds have opened to maximise vase life.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eremurus
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- Soil moisture
- dry to medium
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Eremurus 'Highdown' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, cut flowers, rock gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eremurus 'Highdown'
- Cultivation
- Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with full sun exposure; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to tidy the plant.
- Propagation
- division of tuberous roots in autumn
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eremurus 'Highdown'?
Plant in spring or autumn in well-drained soil with full sun exposure; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Eremurus 'Highdown'?
Eremurus 'Highdown' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Eremurus 'Highdown' need?
Eremurus 'Highdown' grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil soil. Aim for soil that stays dry to medium.
How do I prune Eremurus 'Highdown'?
Remove spent flower spikes after blooming to tidy the plant.
Is Eremurus 'Highdown' hardy in the UK?
Eremurus 'Highdown' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Eremurus 'Highdown'?
Division of tuberous roots in autumn.
More in the Eremurus genus
- Eremurus elwesii 'Albus'Fox Tail
- Eremurus elwesii, or elwesianus of gardensFox Tail
- Eremurus himalaicusHimalayan foxtail lily
- Eremurus olgae
- Eremurus robustusgiant desert candle
- Eremurus spectabilisFox Tail
- Eremurus stenophyllusnarrow-leaved foxtail lily
- Eremurus × 'Himrob'
