Eremurus - Foxtail Lily

Magnificent Eremurus! Its large floral spikes, composed of a multitude of flowers that bloom from bottom to top in late spring, spreading the flowering period over almost a month, have inspired poets: Cleopatra's Distaff, Steppe Lily, Fox-tail Lily. The Eremurus Robustus variety, is the tallest: 2m (7ft) high, with an orange flowering. The smallest, Bungei, reaches 1m (3ft). Eremurus Himalaicus is remarkable for its white flowering, tap dance for its golden yellow colour, brown eremurus for its orange-brown colour. The bulbs or rhizomes, with their strange octopus-like shape whose arms can reach 30 cm (12in), should be planted in a sunny position, preferably in well-drained soil. Under these conditions, they are easy to grow. Place them in the background of a flower bed, or along a hedge that will highlight their height and colour. Sturdy, they do not need to be staked. They can also be grown in large pots and make extraordinary bouquet flowers.