Tell me about Foxtail Lilies

rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a)

6 years ago

I very much enjoy seeing flowers appear, almost miraculously each spring, emanating from bulbs, corms and the like.

On a whim I purchased for the first time a couple of "Foxtail Lilies".

At first glance looking at the pictures they seems to be quite impressive.

So tell me your real world experiences with Eremurus robustus.

Any special planting instructions that would help me have the best chance of them doing well?

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Comments (5)

woodyoak zone 5 southern Ont., Canada
6 years ago
We have one - the only one that has survived for us! I think it might be E. himalaicus. From our experience, they need VERY well drained soil and FULL sun! The only one that survived is against the house in the south alley, under the roof overhang where the soil is dry and well-drained due to the drainage gravel etc. along the foundation. Unfortunately, the roof overhang means it is not in full sun so it leans towards the sun. The foliage looks a lot like daylilies when it first appears. The first spring after planting, I had forgotten where I planted it and, when the foliage appeared, I thought it was some of the cursed 'ditch dayliles' that come under the fence on the other side of the path.... So I dug it out - and saw the distinctive starfish-shaped bulb and went 'Oops!" and hastily replanted it :-) I tried planting some in the front bed but they never grew - I don't think the soil is well enough drained there for them.

I haven't taken many pictures of the one we have, but here are a couple - note the lean towards the sun in both of them!
rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a) thanked woodyoak zone 5 southern Ont., Canada
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
6 years ago
I grew an orange flowered hybrid 'Cleopatra' in my old garden. I loved it!!

Full sun and well drained soil, same as what true lilies prefer......otherwise, I found them very easy plants requiring little attention.
rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a) thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
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floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
6 years ago
Never grown them myself because I've never had a full sun well drained spot. But this article looks quite handy https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/3312382/How-to-grow-Eremurus-robustus.html
rouge21_gw (CDN Z5b/6a) thanked floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
brothergarm
6 years ago
We've also had 'Cleopatra' and it was a show stopper. To lend credence to the very well drained soil, it was in a spot that I would think was well drained, but when it failed to come up one spring I dug up the bulb and it was mush.
FrozeBudd_z3/4
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
'Cleopatra' was quite spectacular this summer, I think it had about ten flowering spikes. While impressive, these are not long flowering, but bold enjoyment while it lasts! I originally obtained the root from Garden Import and planting it very close to the foundation of the house, so just like the buddleias, they benefit from the ground warmth and thrive despite my roller coaster extreme climate!