Eremurus the ‘Foxtail Lily’
With towering flower spikes reaching up to 1.5–2 metres (or more in some species), Foxtail Lilies (Eremurus) are among the most dramatic and showy perennials you can grow. If you have cool winters, they’re surprisingly easy to care for and make a spectacular statement in the garden.
These clump-forming perennials prefer a well-drained spot in full sun to semi-shade. Their impressive height makes them perfect for the back of a perennial border, where they create vertical drama without overwhelming the rest of the planting.
Quick Summary of Foxtail Lily Care
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained (sandy loam preferred)
- Position: Full sun to light afternoon shade, sheltered from strong winds
- Planting depth: Crown just below surface (about 2 cm)
- Spacing: 50–90 cm apart
- Water: Keep moist during growth and flowering; drier once dormant
- Mulch: Autumn mulch, crown left exposed
Why Grow Foxtail Lilies?
Foxtail lilies burst into flower in late spring to early summer, producing tall, fragrant spikes covered in star-shaped blooms. The flowers open from the bottom up, giving the classic “foxtail” or “desert candle” look.
They’re especially worthwhile in borders because:
- They add height and structure
- The flowers are long-lasting and attractive to pollinators
- They die back neatly after flowering, leaving space for later perennials
Some of the more forgiving types, such as the Shelford Hybrids, cope better with less-than-perfect conditions.
Basic Care
Soil and sun are the two main aspects of care. When you buy Foxtail Lilies they are sold a tubers, they should include planting instructions.
One points to consider is that Foxtail Lilies do not like competition, they do not like to be planted with other plants, and do not like weeds. When you buy the tubers, they look a little like starfish, and they are a little fragile, we have heard stories that tell us if you break one of the roots the plant will die, we find this not to be true, unless you are planting the tuber in very wet soils.
Good drainage is essential as is full sun, you can water them while in full growth, the best time is when the flower stalk is forming, in fact this is the only time we would water them. They will die right back after flowering, and they do need to be left alone. After 3 – 4 years, its time to dig and divide, and these wonderful plants will have multiplied.
Planting Foxtail Lilies
Foxtail lilies are sold as dormant tubers (often described as looking like a starfish or octopus). They can be a little fragile, so handle them with care when planting.
Best Position and Soil
Choose a spot with full sun (or a little afternoon shade) and protection from strong winds. Good drainage is absolutely essential — they hate wet feet and competition from other plants or weeds.
Prepare the soil by adding organic matter to improve fertility while keeping it light and free-draining. Sandy loam is ideal.
How to Plant Eremurus Tubers
- Dig a wide, shallow hole (around 15–20 cm / 6–8 inches deep and wider than the roots).
- Create a small mound in the centre and place the tuber on top so the crown (growing point) sits just below the soil surface — usually about 2 cm deep.
- Spread the roots out gently over the mound like a starfish.
- Space tubers 50–90 cm (18–36 inches) apart, depending on the variety.
- Water in well, ideally with a diluted liquid seaweed fertiliser.
Plant in autumn if possible, and mark the spot — the plants disappear completely after flowering and can be easy to forget about while dormant.
Foxtail Lily Care Guide
Once established, Eremurus are relatively low-maintenance, but a few key points make all the difference.
Watering
Water mainly while the flower spike is forming and during active growth. After flowering, they die back and prefer to stay dry over summer. Avoid overwatering, especially in heavy soils.
Mulching and Feeding
Apply mulch in autumn around the plants, but keep the crown free of mulch to prevent rot. A light dressing of fertiliser in spring can help.
Support
Use support hoops or stakes, particularly in windy positions, as the tall spikes can snap.
Dividing
After 3–4 years, when the clump has grown large, dig and divide the tubers while dormant. This is also how they naturally multiply through offsets.
Propagation and Maintenance
Foxtail lilies produce offsets naturally. You can divide clumps every few years in autumn or early spring when dormant. Be gentle with the roots — while they’re more resilient than some stories suggest, avoid planting damaged tubers in very wet conditions.
Popular Species and Varieties
Several species and hybrids are available, varying in height and colour:
- Eremurus himalaicus (Giant Foxtail Lily) — reaches about 2 metres with white flower spikes.
- E. robustus, E. stenophyllus, and E. bungei — taller forms that can grow 2–3 metres depending on conditions.
- Shelford Hybrids (Eremurus × isabellinus) — very popular, more forgiving, and available in mixes of white, pink, yellow, and orange tones.
- Other named varieties like ‘Moneymaker’ offer reliable performance and vibrant colours.
These deciduous perennials are often called “desert candles” because of their glowing, candle-like spikes that appear from spring into early summer.
Common problems
- Slugs and snails are a common pest especially when the new shoots appear in spring.
- Overwatering or poorly drained soils are also an issue as this quickly causes root rot.
- Container growing is not usually recommended as Foxtail Lilies tend to produce foliage but not always flowers when grown in containers
Extra Tips for Success
- Don’t plant them too close to aggressive neighbours — they dislike root competition.
- In colder areas, a light winter mulch helps, but ensure drainage remains excellent.
- Watch for slugs on new growth in spring.
- If your soil is heavy, improve drainage with grit or plant on a slight mound.
With the right spot and a bit of care at planting time, Foxtail Lilies will reward you with years of breathtaking vertical colour in the garden.
Foxtail Lilies or Eremurus are available for sale from the following nurseries.
'Sylvan Vale' 375 Olinda Creek Rd, Kalorama, VIC.3766
Including a large range of Rare and unusual bulbs, corms and perennials
www.tonkinsbulbs.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au