Eremurus White Beauty Favourite - Foxtail Lily

Eremurus 'White Beauty Favourite', also known as the Ruiters Hybrid Steppe Lily, is a truly astonishing perennial plant with a tuberous root. In late spring or early summer, it produces enormous spikes that are surprisingly light despite their imposing size. They are covered in hundreds of small ivory-white star-shaped flowers with yellow centres and stamens, emerging from a clump of ribbon-like foliage. Vigorous and spectacular, this highly sculptural plant adapts to all styles of gardens. It thrives in sunny, well-drained soils. It dislikes strong winds and wet soils in winter.

Originating from the cold high plains of Asia, the 'White Beauty Favourite' steppe lily is a majestic plant of hybrid origin that can reach up to 1.25m (4ft) in height. In its native lands, these very hardy plants survive the winter thanks to the protection of a thick blanket of snow. The bulb, formed by large fleshy roots surrounding a bud, resembles an octopus. This tuberous stump produces a clump of luxuriant ribbon-like leaves that can grow up to 80cm (32in) in height. The leaves are deciduous and wither as the first floral spikes emerge in May-June. The star-shaped flowers bloom from bottom to top, allowing the plant to be in flower for several weeks.

The majesty and elegance of Eremurus 'White Beauty Favourite' make it perfect for perennial borders, where other flowers can decorate its bare stem when it is in full bloom. It can be planted in groups, among English roses, or alongside foxgloves, clary sage, meadow grasses, delphiniums, fennel, or toadflax to create an imposing scene with a romantic touch. However, care should be taken to ensure that the planting is not too dense, as this plant does not appreciate root competition. It can also be grown in a large container on a patio or in a small garden, taking care to accompany it with a pretty ground cover that will not smother it, such as aubrieta or creeping bugle.