About
Tall spikes of small, closely arranged white flowers, with pale green midribs on the outer petals and conspicuous anthers, are produced in early summer. An adaptable perennial, to 1.5m high in flower, with fleshy roots and narrowly lance-shaped, mid green leaves that die back after flowering. Flower heads can be 60cm long or more.
About the genus
Eremurus are herbaceous perennials growing from fleshy roots, with rosettes of strap-shaped basal leaves and a dense racemes of small star-shaped flowers on erect leafless stems
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in fertile, free draining soil, in a sunny position with plenty of root space. May need staking in windy sites. Mulch with garden compost in autumn, but avoid covering the crown. Needs winter cold to flower, but protect young spring growth from frost. See eremurus cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningUnless seeds are required, spent flower spikes can be cut down at the base
PropagationPropagate by seed, or by division of mature plants, taking care to minimise root disturbance. Plants grown from seed may vary, and may take 3-5 years to flower
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free