Foxtail Lilies at Chanticleer, Wayne, PA

Foxtail lilies or desert candles (Eremurus spp.) are beginning to find an audience with U.S. gardeners. Foxtail lilies are indigenous to the grasslands and semi-arid parts of Iran, Turkey, and Afghanistan (USDA hardiness zones 5–8).

Tall spires of brightly colored flowers emerge in late spring; small individual flowers are densely packed together. Each showy flower cluster can take up half of the plant’s tall stem. Flowers begin opening at the bottom of the stalk and progress upward. Colors range from white, yellow, orange and red shades.

Low mounds of grass-like leaves emerge in early spring from hardy tubers. Depending on variety, they can rise three to eight feet tall. The mound of foliage is typically covers 1-2 feet in ground width.

This herbaceous perennial thrives in full sun, and is best adapted to a moist, compost-rich, well-drained sandy soil. The Achilles heel of foxtail lilies is poor soil drainage. Adding 1-2 handfuls of Permatil® beneath each tuber at planting time prevents root rot problems and potential infestations by voles. It is exceptionally drought tolerant and requires some protection from wind.

In early autumn tubers should be planted shallowly (2 to 4 inches deep) immediately after arrival from the nursery. Do not allow tubers to dry out and do not disturb them once planted. These woody, tuberous rootstocks should be planted upon receipt 36 inches apart and never overcrowd them. Mulch the soil over winter for additional winter protection.