Also known as Foxtail Lily · 276 gardener saves
Eremurus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Eremurus, the genus most gardeners know as foxtail lily. We track 4 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 4 most-saved Eremurus varieties
Of 4 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedFoxtail Lily Desert Candle
Eremurus x robustus 'Mix'
#2 most savedFoxtail Lily
Eremurus robustus
#3 most savedFoxtail Lily
Eremurus x hybrida
Cleopatra Foxtail Lily
Eremurus x hybrida 'Cleopatra'
How to grow Eremurus
What the Eremurus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Eremurus year
- PlantSeptember and October100% of varieties
Plant crowns shallowly in well-drained soil in early fall.
- StakeApril and May100% of varieties
Stake tall varieties before flower spikes fully develop, especially in windy sites.
- FertilizeMarch100% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer as shoots emerge in early spring.
- MulchNovember50% of varieties
Apply a light, protective winter mulch if drainage is questionable.
- DeadheadJune50% of varieties
Cut spent flower spikes down to the base after blooming.
Do
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Stake tall spikes to support heavy blooms
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Provide full sun for best flowering
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Do not plant in heavy clay soil without amendment
- Never cut back foliage until completely yellow
- Avoid shady locations which reduce flowering
What goes wrong with Eremurus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted or sticky leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Bulb rot | Soft, decayed bulbs with foul smell | Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering |
| Root rot | Rotting bulbs, foul smell | Ensure excellent drainage and avoid overwatering |
Making more Eremurus
Corm division
- Dig up mature corms after foliage dies back.
- Separate offsets with a sharp knife, ensuring each has roots.
- Plant divisions 4 inches deep in well-draining soil.
- Water thoroughly and mulch around new plants.
- Allow 6 weeks for roots to establish before flowering.
Dividing bulbs
- Lift bulbs in early spring or fall.
- Gently separate offsets with a sharp knife.
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Allow 6 weeks for roots to establish.
Eremurus questions
How many types of Eremurus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Eremurus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 276 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Eremurus grow in?
Across its varieties, Eremurus covers USDA Zones 5–8. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Eremurus bloom?
Most Eremurus varieties bloom in early summer, late spring to early summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Eremurus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Eremurus shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Eremurus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
