Eremurus are clump-forming Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs.
Rosettes are the circular arrangement of flower petals; or a cluster of leaves radiating from approximately the same point usually around a stem. Examples include aeonium and most succulent plants, African violets, primula, sempervivums.
Site and soil
Eremurus originate from the dry grasslands and semi-desert of western and central Asia, therefore it can be difficult to mimic such growing conditions in the UK climate.
They require free draining soil. Choose the sunniest spot in the garden and do not plant in frost pockets. Though hardy, the young spring foliage is prone to frost damage. Avoid windy sites if growing taller species or cultivars.
The fleshy, shallow root system resents disturbance and competition from other plants. Keep soil cultivation (e.g. hand weeding or digging) close to the plants to a minimum to prevent accidental root damage. Ideally clear away any plants growing around them. They may cope with closer company of smaller These are fleshy, rounded, underground storage organs, usually sold and planted while dormant. Examples include daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, lilies, onions and garlic. The term is often used to cover other underground storage organs, including corms, tubers and rhizomes.
Planting
Bare root crowns are available in early spring or summer. Plant as soon as possible after purchase. If the roots appear dry, soaking them in water for a couple of hours prior to planting may help. Handle the brittle roots as little as possible.
Prepare the site by incorporating organic matter such as garden compost. If the soil is heavier, to aid drainage, consider raising the soil level of the bed intended for planting.
Create a shallow planting hole 15-20cm (6-8in) in depth and wider than the roots. Position the centre of the crown on a mound of coarse grit, Sharp sand is washed, gritty sand used in potting compost mixes, This is sold for gardening and is not the same as builders sharp sand.
Gardeners often use the word variety when referring to a specific plant, but the correct botanical term is 'cultivar'. Whichever word you use, it means a distinctive plant or plants, given a specific cultivar name and usually bred to enhance certain characteristics, such as flower or fruit size, colour, flavour or fragrance, plant size, hardiness, disease resistance, etc. Additionally, it is worth knowing that, botanically, variety has another meaning - it refers to a naturally-occurring distinct plant that only has slight differences in its looks. For example, Malva alcea var. fastigiata differs from typical plants by having an upright habit.
Mark the position of the plant with a A cane is a slender, straight, length of woody plant material, usually bamboo. Canes are primarily used as plant supports. The fruiting stems of blackberries, raspberries and hybrid berries (such as loganberries and tayberries) are also known as canes, so these crops are often referred to as cane fruit.
Potted plants may be available in spring.
Eremurus is not well suited for a long term container cultivation.
Watering and feeding
Once in active growth feed with high potassium fertiliser such as sulphate of potash in spring. If plants are damaged by late frost or are not very vigorous, consider liquid feeding with a general fertiliser once a month in late spring and summer.
Make sure that the plants are not prone to drying out when in leaf. The foliage will start dying down soon after flowering. When Dormancy refers to a period of inactivity in plants, during which they slow down or stop their growth, conserving energy and resources. This is a natural process that helps them survive harsh conditions, such as winter or drought. Dormancy in seeds is a mechanism that prevents them germinating until environmental conditions are favourable for growth.
Winter protection
Although hardy, eremurus can be damaged by Describes soil or potting compost that is saturated with water. The water displaces air from the spaces between soil particles and plant roots can literally drown, unless they are adapted to growing in waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging is common on poorly drained soil or when heavy soil is compacted.
Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings.
Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants.
Eremurus comes into growth early in the season and the shoots are prone to frost damage. Protect the new growth with fleece or cloches.