Foxtail Lily Desert Candle
Eremurus x robustus 'Mix'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
60 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Central Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Eremurus, commonly known as Foxtail Lily or Desert Candle, are dramatic herbaceous perennials grown for their towering flower spikes. They feature a basal rosette of strap-like leaves from which a tall, leafless stalk rises, densely packed with small, star-shaped flowers. Mix includes various color forms and heights, providing diversity in landscaping.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck corms 4-6 inches deep in well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around corms.
- Mist young plants regularly to maintain moist soil during initial growth.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for vigorous growth.
- Stake tall flower spikes to prevent toppling in windy conditions.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms and maintain plant health.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for best flowering performance.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
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
Don't
- 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
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Foxtail Lily Desert Candle questions
What zones can Foxtail Lily Desert Candle grow in?
Foxtail Lily Desert Candle is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Foxtail Lily Desert Candle deer resistant?
Yes — Foxtail Lily Desert Candle is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Foxtail Lily Desert Candle bloom?
Foxtail Lily Desert Candle typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Foxtail Lily Desert Candle need full sun?
Foxtail Lily Desert Candle does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Foxtail Lily Desert Candle drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Foxtail Lily Desert Candle handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Grow Foxtail Lily Desert Candle with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
