About
Eremurus himalaicus, the Himalayan foxtail lily, is a stately herbaceous perennial with rosettes of fresh-green leaves to 50 cm long and 4 cm wide. Tall flower spikes to 2 m bear numerous individual, white flowers 2.5�3.5 cm across in spring. One of the most elegant and imposing of the foxtail lilies 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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toAfghanistan to W Himalaya
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, sandy, well-drained loam in full sun, with shelter from wind. Mulch with garden compost or bark in autumn, but avoid covering the crown. Young spring growth can be protected with a dry mulch - see Eremurus cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed by sowing in containers in a cold frame in autumn or at 15°C in late winter. Can also be propagated by division after flowering
Pest resistanceSlugs may cause damage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free