Eremurus, commonly called Desert Candle or Foxtail Lily, is a robust perennial that features giant, upright, cylindrical flower spires (terminal racemes to 3-4' long) of fragrant, densely-packed, pale pink flowers (each flower to 1.5" wide). Each flower spire purportedly resembles a giant fox tail or giant candle. Flowers bloom in late spring to early summer (June-July) atop leafless flowering stalks (to 8-10' tall) rising well above large foliage clumps (to 4' tall) of basal, strap-shaped, blue-green leaves (each leaf to 4" wide).
Grow in organically rich, well-drained soils in full sun. Plants perform well in sandy loams. Good drought tolerance. Avoid unamended clay soils. Starfish-shaped rootstock consists of a central crown from which fleshy tapering roots spread outward. Plant each crown 4-6” deep over a mound of soil, carefully spreading the finger-like roots over the mound as one would plant a bare root rose. Space 2-3’ apart. Best planted in early fall. Soils must be well-drained or root rot may occur. Best in locations protected from strong winds because of the height of the flower
spike. Tall stalks should be staked. Winter mulch will help protect tuberous roots and help prevent damage to young foliage in spring from late frosts.
Common Name: Giant Desert Candle
Type: Bulb
Family: Asphodelaceae
Native Range: Central Asia
Zone: 5 to 8
Height: 5.00 to 10.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to July
Bloom Description: Pale pink
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flower: Showy, Fragrant, Good Cut
Tolerate: Drought