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Herbaceous Perennial

Eremurus robustus

giant desert candle

A large plant with rosettes of blue-green leaves to 1.2m long and 10cm wide. Flower spikes to 3m, individual flowers palest peachy-pink to 4cm across, the petals with brown-marked bases, stamens yellow. Attractive to butterflies

Other common names
foxtail lily

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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Blue Green
Summer Pink Blue Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, sandy, well-drained loam in full sun, with shelter from wind. Mulch with garden compost in autumn, but avoid covering the crown. Young spring growth can be protected with a dry mulch

Propagation

Propagate by seed by sowing in containers in a cold frame in autumn or at 15°C (59°F) in late winter. Can also be propagated by division after flowering

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Slugs may cause damage

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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