HOW TO PLANT THE FOXTAIL LILY - Eremurus species |The Garden of Eaden

How to plant the Foxtail Lily

WANT TO BUY RARE AND UNUSUAL SEEDS? THEN CLICK HERE FOR THE 'SEEDS OF EADEN' SEED SHOP

The Foxtail lily - Eremurus species is a gorgeous, exotic herbaceous plant reminiscent of other tall flowering spike producing genera such as the delphiniums, lupin and foxgloves. Native to Eastern Europe and the more temperate climates of Asia from Turkey to China the Foxglove lily (otherwise commonly known as the 'Desert Candle) is a rarely seen and sometimes unavailable gem of a plant. However unless favourable growing conditions can be provided it can also be a struggle to grow in northern European gardens.

The key to growing Foxtail Lilies successfully is to provide them with an organically rich, well-drained soil. To ensure strong and healthy growth add a good handful of bone-meal or fish blood and bone to the prepared planting area. Just make sure that this is thoroughly mixed into the soil below where the roots are planted. Do not pour these fertilisers directly onto the roots.

Regarding soil types, sandy loams are ideal however be aware of heavy, waterlogged-prone soils as this is the leading cause of Eremurus plants failing. So if your garden is a clay-based swampland consider planting them in raised beds or at a minimum into a raised mound. In less troublesome conditions add plenty of horticultural grit or gravel into the surrounding site before planting. Foxglove lilies will not tolerate waterlogged conditions as this will quickly cause the root system to die.

One planted avoid disturbing the root system from weeding or planted bedding close by as Eremurus really do not like to have their roots disturbed. In exposed gardens position supporting canes to prevent the flower spikes from being blown over in strong winds.

The Garden of Eaden

HOW TO PLANT THE FOXTAIL LILY - Eremurus species

No comments:

Followers

Recent Articles