Overview
Eremurus himalaicus is a perennial in the genus Eremurus, part of the Asphodelaceae family. Eremurus himalaicus grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and alpine gardens. It is native to Afghanistan to W Himalaya.
About
Eremurus himalaicus is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae, native to Afghanistan to the western Himalaya, grown for a pronounced flowering display from May to July. The flowers are white. It prefers full sun and a sunny, open, south-facing position in well-drained sandy or loamy soil of neutral to alkaline pH.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eremurus himalaicus
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 himalaicus belongs to the Asphodelaceae and originates from Afghanistan to the western Himalaya. As a perennial, it flowers in the UK between May and July, producing white blooms in season. Its natural range and growth habit suit sunny, exposed locations. Plant in a site that receives full sun with an open, south-facing aspect and avoid heavy, poorly drained ground; a sandy or loamy medium with neutral to alkaline pH and moderate moisture is appropriate. The species is rated H5 — in plain terms, hardy — so it will tolerate winter conditions typical for hardy plants in the UK once established. Place Eremurus himalaicus towards the back of a sunny border or tucked into a rock or alpine garden where open exposure is available. Its flowering period runs from May to July, making it useful where a concentrated late spring to early summer white display is required in sunlit parts of the garden.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eremurus
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- open
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Eremurus himalaicus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, alpine gardens
- Native to
- Afghanistan to W Himalaya
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eremurus himalaicus
- Cultivation
- Plant tuberous roots in spring in well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower spikes after blooming
- Propagation
- seed, division of tuberous roots
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eremurus himalaicus?
Plant tuberous roots in spring in well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Eremurus himalaicus?
Eremurus himalaicus prefers full sun. It suits open positions.
What soil does Eremurus himalaicus need?
Eremurus himalaicus grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Eremurus himalaicus?
Remove spent flower spikes after blooming.
Is Eremurus himalaicus hardy in the UK?
Eremurus himalaicus 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 himalaicus?
Seed, division of tuberous roots.
More in the Eremurus genus
- Eremurus elwesii 'Albus'Fox Tail
- Eremurus elwesii, or elwesianus of gardensFox Tail
- Eremurus olgae
- Eremurus robustusgiant desert candle
- Eremurus spectabilisFox Tail
- Eremurus stenophyllusnarrow-leaved foxtail lily
- Eremurus × 'Himrob'
- Eremurus × isabellinusFoxtail Lily
