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Herbaceous Perennial

Eremurus fuscus

brown foxtail lily

A clump-forming perennial, to 1.2m high in flower, with fleshy roots and narrowly lance-shaped, mid green leaves that die back after flowering. Tall spikes of small, bell-shaped, pale yellow flowers with brown tips, long stamens and red-brown anthers, are produced in early summer

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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, Himalaya

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or by division of mature plants, taking care to minimise root disturbance. Plants grown from seed may take 3-5 years to flower

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Unless seeds are required, spent flower spikes can be cut down at the base

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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