Buy Foxtail Lilies (Eremurus) – Hardy

Here you will find varieties such as 'Cleopatra', 'Romance' and the white Himalayan foxtail lily, as well as hybrid mixes. In Switzerland, plant the star-shaped roots in autumn, from September to October, in a sunny, well-drained spot.

Buy foxtail lilies: varieties and colours

The foxtail lily, botanically Eremurus, comes from the steppes of Central Asia. In spring, a tuft of leaves grows from a flat, octopus-like root, followed by a sturdy stem with hundreds of small star-shaped flowers that open from the bottom up. Depending on the variety, the spikes reach 120 to 190 cm.

Eremurus stenophyllus and the variety 'Yellow Cleopatra' flower in bright yellow.
'Cleopatra' shows warm orange, 'Romance' a delicate salmon pink.
'Himalaicus', the Himalayan foxtail lily, flowers pure white and is one of the earliest.
The 'Ruiter Hybrids' and 'Shelford Hybrids' mixes bring together shades of yellow, orange, pink and white.

Planting time and position in Switzerland

Plant foxtail lilies in autumn: on the Swiss Plateau from September to the end of October, at higher altitudes by early October. Eremurus is hardy and tolerates frosts down to about minus 15 to 20 degrees; the main problem is winter wet. So choose a warm spot in full sun with very free-draining soil. Improve heavy clay soils with grit or sand. The shoots appear early in spring and can suffer from late frosts; fleece or a few brushwood twigs protect the young leaves.

Planting and care

Dig a wide planting hole, add a layer of grit and lay the root flat on top with its arms spread out.
Cover the bud in the centre with only about 5 to 10 cm of soil.
Space them around 50 cm apart, which gives three to seven plants per square metre.
Water in spring during dry spells and keep dry after flowering. The foliage dies back as early as summer; this is normal.
Avoid moving the brittle roots once planted. After two to three years, strong clumps develop.

Combining and uses

Place foxtail lilies at the back of the border or as vertical accents in gravel and prairie gardens. As the foliage yellows after flowering, neighbours such as grasses, hardy geraniums, salvias or daylilies help fill the gap. The flower spikes make long-lasting cut flowers and are popular with bees and bumblebees. Because of their height and deep roots, they are hardly suitable for pots. Ideally, plant foxtail lilies in groups of three to five, which creates a calm, striking effect. In windy spots, an inconspicuous cane can support the heavy flower stems.

Frequently asked questions

Is Eremurus hardy?

Yes, foxtail lilies are hardy in Switzerland and tolerate frosts down to about minus 15 to 20 degrees. Winter wet is the greater danger, as it rots the fleshy roots. Plant them in very free-draining soil and protect the early shoots from late frost with fleece.

When should I plant foxtail lilies?

The best planting time is autumn. On the Swiss Plateau, plant the roots from September to the end of October, at higher altitudes ideally by early October, so they can root before the frost. Spring planting is possible, but the plants then often flower only in their second year.

How deep should I plant Eremurus?

Lay the star-shaped root flat on a layer of grit and cover the bud with only 5 to 10 cm of soil. Planting too deep encourages rot. Leave about 50 cm between plants.

Why is my foxtail lily not flowering?

Common reasons are too shady a position, soil that is too wet or a young plant that still needs to establish. Frost-damaged shoots in spring can also cost you the flowers. Give the foxtail lily full sun, good drainage and a little patience.

How tall does a foxtail lily grow?

Depending on the variety, the flower spikes reach 120 to 190 cm, occasionally more. The leaves, on the other hand, stay close to the ground. Plant Eremurus at the back of the border or as a focal point between lower perennials and grasses.