About
Eremurus robustus, the giant desert candle, is one of the most spectacular of all the foxtail lilies, producing rosettes of blue-green leaves to 1.2 m long and towering flower spikes to 3 m bearing individually pale peach-pink flowers to 4 cm across with brown-marked petal bases and yellow stamens. A magnificent and imposing border perennial.
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
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toC Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, sandy, well-drained loam in full sun, with shelter from wind. Mulch with garden compost in autumn, but avoid covering the crown. Young spring growth can be protected with a dry mulch
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed by sowing in containers in a cold frame in autumn or at 15°C (59°F) in late winter. Can also be propagated by division after flowering
Pest resistanceSlugs may cause damage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free