Eremurus himalaïcus - Foxtail Lily

The Eremurus himalaïcus, also known as the Steppe Lily or Himalayan Foxtail Lily, is a fleshy-rooted perennial plant that forms a clump in summer. It is one of the early varieties of Eremurus. In May, clusters of 70 to 100 cm (28 to 39in) long are composed of hundreds of small white star-shaped flowers, measuring 2 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter. The flowers bloom from bottom to top, allowing the plant to have a flowering over several weeks.

The Desert Lily, native to rocky meadows in Kashmir and the northwest Himalayas, can reach a height of 2 m (7ft). It is a plant adapted to continental climate. The bulb of the Eremurus resembles a small octopus with its 20 cm (8in) diameter. It is more of a tuberous stump composed of roots all around than a bulb. This stump produces ribbon-like leaves (the lamina, the enlarged part of the leaf, resembling a ribbon) measuring 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12in) long. The leaves are deciduous. They wither when the first flowers emerge. That's why it is suitable for perennial flower beds that will hide its base, but the flower bed should not be too compact to avoid suffocating it. It is a plant with excellent hardiness. This species is also the best suited for warmer regions.

This outdoor plant can be found in groups or as an individual specimen. It enhances homes when placed in a vase. It can also be arranged in borders, rock gardens, as well as in containers for small gardens.