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Eremurus x isabellinus Shelford' s Hybrids Tap Dance

Eremurus x isabellinus Shelford' s Hybrids Tap Dance
Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle

4,4/5
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Unfortunately, did not survive the garden floods during this winter...

Anne-Claire, 28/04/2024

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A bright variety of steppe lily that stands at 1.50 m (5ft) from the ground in summer with superb spikes adorned with a multitude of small sun-yellow flowers tipped with orange. This large perennial bulbous plant is quite spectacular and brings a beautiful touch of elegance and verticality to the back of flower beds. It is grown in full sun, in a light and very well-drained soil, preferably dry in winter.
Flower size
30 cm
Height at maturity
1.50 m
Spread at maturity
60 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time September to November
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Flowering time June to July
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Description

The Eremurus 'Tap Dance' is part of a series of hybrid steppe lilies called Desert Candles, both highly ornamental and relatively easy to grow in European gardens: in late spring or early summer, its magnificent spikes rise, adorned with a multitude of small sun-yellow flowers with orange tips. This large bulbous perennial brings a touch of elegance and verticality to the back of flower beds, beautiful flowering pots, or stunning undulating alignments in the wind. The tall floral spikes are also very beautiful in bouquets.

The 'Tap Dance' steppe lily is a horticultural hybrid from the Shelford's Hybrids series, obtained by Sir Michael Foster in Great Shelford (Cambridge, England). All these plants are the result of cross-breeding between the Eremurus stenophyllus (= bungei), native to the steppes of Central Asia, and its cousin, the E. olgae, native to mountainous regions in northern Afghanistan and Iran. They belong to the asphodel family. The eremurus is a robust plant that can live for about fifteen years if well established, but it does not appreciate being disturbed. It has good resistance to dry cold, but it perishes in wet soil, from -5/-7°C (23/19.4°F).

The Eremurus 'Tap Dance' is a herbaceous plant with a fleshy root that resembles a spider or an octopus and measures about 20 cm (8in) in diameter. It is more of a tuberous stump composed of roots all around than a bulb. In spring, a large bud emerges from the ground, quickly forming a large rosette of leaves with a diameter of 60 cm (24in). These are ribbon-like leaves, 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12in) long, flexible, with rough edges, sometimes villous, and light green in colour. They dry out quite quickly during flowering, while the plant starts to enter a resting phase in a preferably dry soil. Flowering takes place from May to July depending on the region. From the stump, floral stems measuring 1.50m (5ft) to 2m (7ft) in height emerge, carrying floral spikes 20 to 50 cm (8 to 20in) long at their tips. Each spike is composed of a multitude of small star-shaped flowers, 1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in) in diameter, with sun-yellow petals and orange stamens. The flowers open successively from bottom to top, allowing the plant to have a flowering period of several weeks. The flowers, pollinated by insects, produce seeds that can be harvested and sown.

The Eremurus 'Tap Dance' is well suited for ornamental purposes in perennial flower beds that will hide its base, provided that neighboring plants do not suffocate it. Install it in small groups or in a line along a well-exposed wall, for example. In the garden, Eremurus pairs well with roses, garden irises, tall delphiniums, and botanical peonies. It also makes beautiful potted plants for the terrace, which can be easily protected from rain in winter. Create stunning bouquets by mixing eremurus with lilies or roses in matching colours.

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.50 m
Spread at maturity 60 cm
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time June to July
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 30 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green
Foliage description Deciduous foliage in winter and in summer.

Botanical data

Genus

Eremurus

Species

x isabellinus Shelford' s Hybrids

Cultivar

Tap Dance

Family

Liliaceae

Other common names

Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference535752

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Planting and care

Plant the Eremurus 'Tap Dance' during the months of September-October in a very sunny location and sheltered from the wind to prevent the flower stalks from getting damaged. Place it in a rich, fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Limestone is not a problem. If it is not well-drained enough, you can mix sand with the soil at the time of planting. Well-drained soil allows for better root development and prevents them from rotting. Plant the stumps in autumn at a depth of 7 cm (3in), no more, as it needs to warm up quickly when the spring arrives. Protect the plant from winter moisture, which is fatal to it, by covering it with compost or straw without covering the collar. The young shoots should be protected with a dry mulch. The plant, which is well anchored in the soil, does not require staking. The Eremurus can be attacked by slugs and snails in spring. You can possibly provide the Eremurus with wood ash, which is rich in potash, to promote flowering.

In a pot, choose a large volume (at least 40 cm (16in) in diameter) to allow its large fleshy root to spread out.

The Eremurus needs dry cold in winter to develop well. In warm regions, we recommend planting the botanical species Eremus himalaicus instead.

Planting period

Best planting time September to October
Recommended planting time September to November
Planting depth 7 cm

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Back of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 3 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil moisture Moist soil, Drained, light and fertile.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Soil moisture Moist soil
Disease resistance Good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
4,4/5
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