Desert Candle

Eremurus (er-eh-MEUR-us)

Family: Asphodelaceae Non-native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Eremurus is a genus of tuberous, ornamental, herbaceous perennial plants native to portions of Russia, Crimea, Mongolia, and Central China, and includes 62 accepted species. They are found in dry grasslands and dry, rocky slopes of central and western Asia. They are commonly known as the foxtail lily or desert candle and are used in landscaping and commercially for cut flowers. Depending on the species or cultivar, they may grow 3 to 10 feet tall and 20 inches to 5 feet wide, and are clump-forming with a fragile, fleshy root. They have a rosette of strap-like basal leaves and a leafless stem bearing a dense raceme of star-shaped flowers. The foliage emerges in early spring, and blooming occurs from spring to late summer. The genus is a member of the day lily family (Asphodelaceae). The genus name, Eremurus , is derived from two Greek words: eremia , meaning desert, and oura, meaning tail. Thrives in full sun and organically rich, well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once they are established. They will require protection from wind and frost, and tall plants may need to be staked. Once blooming is complete, allow the foliage to die back. Mulching will help protect the tubers during the winter months. The plant needs drier soil during its dormant period. Propagation by seed can be erratic, and it will take 3 to 5 years for the plant to flower. Propagation by division is possible, but care must be taken to avoid damaging the fragile root system. When planting the tubers, place them 6 to 8 inches deep, laying them flat in the prepared site with the central crown facing upwards. The fleshy roots radiate from a central crown and are star-shaped. resembling the spokes on a wheel. These long, brittle roots can be easily damaged when working in the garden, and they do not like to be disturbed. The plant's fruits consist of rounded seed pods containing winged seeds. Under the right growing conditions, consider planting one of the species or cultivars as a striking, bright, and colorful back border or vertical accent Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant insect or disease problems. Monitor new growth for slugs and snails. Poor soil drainage can result in root rot. New growth needs protection from frost. They also need protection from wind, and staking is sometimes required to protect the delicate roots. Poor growing conditions will result in poor plant performance and a lack of flowers.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 58 attributes.