Eremurus robustus
perennial RHS Award

Foxtail Lily

Eremurus robustus

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

96 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Low to average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Tall perennial with impressive flower spikes, ideal for borders and dramatic garden settings. Known for its resilience in dry conditions and unique towering spike flowers.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesEremurus robustus offers towering, striking flower spikes that create visual impact in late spring gardens.
Practical UsesIts drought tolerance reduces watering needs once established.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators such as bees and butterflies with late spring nectar.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a sunny location with well-drained soil to plant Eremurus robustus.
  2. Tuck large tubers 4-6 inches deep in early spring or fall for best results.
  3. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the tubers.
  4. Mist cuttings or propagate by division in early spring for new plants.
  5. Apply a light layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Enjoy tall, striking flower spikes that bloom in late spring or early summer.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent tuber rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly during the growing season 🌱
  • Provide full sun for optimal flowering
  • Support tall flower spikes if necessary
  • Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
  • Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

Don't

  • Avoid waterlogging, which can cause tuber rot ❌
  • Don’t disturb the tubers once established
  • Refrain from over-fertilizing, which can promote foliage over flowers
  • Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendment

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Plant
Spring Cleanup
Stake

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic vertical accent in bordersDesert‑style garden with xeriscape plantsWildflower meadow edge

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Yarrow Echinacea Ornamental grasses

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Foxtail Lily questions

What zones can Foxtail Lily grow in?

Foxtail Lily 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 deer resistant?

Yes — Foxtail Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Foxtail Lily bloom?

Foxtail Lily typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Foxtail Lily need full sun?

Foxtail Lily does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Foxtail Lily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Foxtail Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Foxtail Lily 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.

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