Be Strong Like Foxtail Lily

Eremurus robustus

Common name: foxtail lily

Family: Asphodelaceae

Vital statistics

Height and spread: 1m (3ft) wide with flower spikes to 3m (10ft) high.

Form: Herbaceous perennial

Soil: Sandy, well-drained loam

Aspect: Full sun

Hardiness: Hardy throughout the British Isles

Over 500 Eremurus robustus can be seen growing in the old-fashioned shrub rose border, as they flower at the same time as a number of the roses they are ideal bedfellows. The tall, dark green conifer hedge behind the border enhances the display as it is a perfect foil for the 2 metre high flower spikes.

Eremurus

There are about 40 to 50 species of Eremurus which typically grow in dry, rocky, almost barren, semi-desert habitats of western Asia to dry, subalpine, grazed, grasslands in Afghanistan and western China.

Foxtail lilies are stately plants that produce a magnificently tall flower spike, which can exceed 3m in height, on which a densely flowered inflorescence is borne. The natural colour range of the species is yellow, pink and white but this is much extended in the cultivars to include striking golden and coppery yellows, deep pinks, oranges and red.

The flower spike is produced from a fleshy rooted crown with a central growing point. The tuberous roots fan out in all directions from the central point.

The name Eremurus comes from the Greek words eremia, desert, and oura, a tail, from the appearance of the flower spike and of the desert and steppe conditions that the plants inhabit.

Eremurus robustus

A native of Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains in central Asia Eremurus robustus is a tufted perennial with strap-shaped, bluish green leaves to 1.2m long. Long, sturdy, round flower stems develop from the leaf rosette starting in May. The magnificent inflorescences are richly covered with pale pink flowers, 4cm across, that have brown-marked bases and yellow stamens.

The species name robustus means stout and strong in growth. Specimens taller than 2m are not unusual and the flower cluster can be over 1m long, consisting of 700 - 800 flowers which open in June.

Established in 1804, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Floral Committee A awarded Eremurus robustus an Award of Garden Merit describing it as a spectacular plant.

Cultivation

Foxtail lilies should be grown in rich, fertile, well-drained, sandy soil in full sun. In regions with hard frosts and where it stays cold long into the spring, these plants should be placed in a sheltered location.

Plant amongst ground cover and other perennials as the leaves wither back during the flowering period and can look unsightly. In exposed sites, without shelter from the wind, taller species will require staking whilst in flower.

Once the plants have established in the same location for some years, they can develop into quite a sizeable clump.

Although the tuberous roots themselves are winter-hardy, an organic mulch layer is highly recommended but this should be removed in the spring, especially if wet, to avoid rotting the emerging foliage. In regions that experience late frosts young shoots should be given the protection of dry bracken litter or straw.

Like most herbaceous perennials Eremurus are prone to slug damage but they are relatively unaffected by other pests and diseases.

Propagation

Propagate in the autumn by ripe seed or from division and replanting of the crowns as the foliage dies back. The roots must be handled carefully as they are very fragile and prone to break.

Flowers are given for all occasions and for many reasons. Basically they are given to convey thoughtfulness and love or to express feelings which words are unable to convey. Individuals have their own special meanings attached to flowers. As for Eremurus/Foxtail Lily, it reflects "I hold you in high esteem" or "fidelity" (continuing loyalty to a person or belief).