Overview
Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus is a perennial in the genus Eremurus, part of the Asphodelaceae family. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders and cut flowers. It is native to Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains and Central Asia.
About
Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus is a tall perennial notable for its columnar flower spikes that can reach around 3.0 m. It flowers from May to July, producing dense racemes of pink to white blooms. Native to the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains of Central Asia, it prefers a sunny, south-facing site in well-drained sandy or loamy soil. Use it where its height can be seen from a distance or as a dramatic cut flower.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eremurus robustus
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 robustus var. tardiflorus is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae from the Tien Shan and Pamir ranges of Central Asia, valued for a single, upright flowering spike that reaches about 3.0 m. The plant produces many small flowers along a tall raceme and is best positioned where that vertical form is a feature rather than hidden behind other plants. Flowering occurs May to July. Plant it in full sun on a south-facing site and choose sandy or loamy soil with good drainage; the rootstock does not tolerate waterlogging even though the soil can remain evenly moist during the growing season. It is rated H7 for UK conditions, meaning it is fully hardy and can be left in the ground through winter. USDA zones 5–9 indicate a similar level of winter tolerance for milder regions. Allow space in the middle or rear of a border so the 3.0 m spike can be seen; it also suits a dedicated bed for cut flowers where stems can be harvested for arrangements. The combination of strong vertical habit and late spring to midsummer bloom makes Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus a specialist plant for tall-border designs and cutting gardens.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Eremurus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains, Central Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus
- Cultivation
- Plant in spring or autumn, in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Requires staking due to tall flower spikes.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower spikes to encourage tidiness; cut back foliage after it dies down in autumn.
- Propagation
- By seed or division of root tubers in autumn or spring.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus?
Plant in spring or autumn, in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Requires staking due to tall flower spikes.
Where is the best place to plant Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus?
Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus need?
Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus grows best in sandy and loamy soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus?
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage tidiness; cut back foliage after it dies down in autumn.
How big does Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus grow?
Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus hardy in the UK?
Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Eremurus robustus var. tardiflorus?
By seed or division of root tubers in autumn or spring.
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'
