Overview
Eremurus stenophyllus is a perennial in the genus Eremurus, part of the Asphodelaceae family. Eremurus stenophyllus 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 cut flowers. It is native to C Asia.
About
Eremurus stenophyllus is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae, commonly called the narrow-leaved foxtail lily. It produces yellow foxtail-like flower spikes in the UK from May to July. The species originates from Central Asia and favours open, south-facing positions. It prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to alkaline pH and is rated H5 (hardy).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eremurus stenophyllus
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 stenophyllus (narrow-leaved foxtail lily) is a perennial from Central Asia in the Asphodelaceae. In the UK it flowers from May to July, bearing yellow foxtail-type blooms that provide a vertical accent in late spring and early summer. The genus name and common name reflect the plant’s narrow-leaf habit and spiky inflorescences. Plant where it receives full sun in an open, south-facing spot and in soil that drains freely; sandy or loamy textures suit it best. Aim for a neutral to alkaline pH and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground — the plant prefers moderate moisture but needs good drainage through winter. The H5 rating means it is hardy across much of the UK, though very exposed or waterlogged sites will reduce its chances of overwintering successfully. It performs well at the back of borders, in gravel or rock gardens where drainage is reliable, and as a source of cut flowers. Place it where the upright spikes can be appreciated without crowding other plants, and cut blooms at peak for use in mid-summer arrangements.
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, well-drained
- Aspect
- south-facing
- Exposure
- open
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Eremurus stenophyllus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- C Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Eremurus stenophyllus
- Cultivation
- plant tuberous roots in spring or autumn; avoid waterlogged soil
- Pruning
- remove spent flower spikes after blooming
- Propagation
- seed, division of tuberous roots
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Eremurus stenophyllus?
Plant tuberous roots in spring or autumn; avoid waterlogged soil.
Where is the best place to plant Eremurus stenophyllus?
Eremurus stenophyllus prefers full sun. It suits open positions.
What soil does Eremurus stenophyllus need?
Eremurus stenophyllus grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate to well-drained.
How do I prune Eremurus stenophyllus?
Remove spent flower spikes after blooming.
Is Eremurus stenophyllus hardy in the UK?
Eremurus stenophyllus 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 stenophyllus?
Seed, division of tuberous roots.
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 × 'Himrob'
- Eremurus × isabellinusFoxtail Lily
