Foxtail Lily (Eremurus bungei)

Foxtail lily (Eremurus bungei) is a spectacular, tuberous-rooted perennial native to Central Asia. A member of the Liliaceae family, it's prized for its towering, bottlebrush-like flower spikes in bright yellow.

Description

Basal rosette of strap-shaped, gray-green leaves 12–18 inches long. Flower spike emerges in late spring: a dense, conical raceme 3–5 feet tall, packed with hundreds of small, star-shaped, bright yellow flowers opening from bottom to top. Dramatic vertical accent. Goes dormant after flowering.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 5–8.
• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Very well-drained, sandy/gritty, alkaline. Excellent drainage critical—crown rot prone.
• Water: Spring moisture; dry summer dormancy.
• Planting: Plant tuberous roots (crowns) 4–6 inches deep, 12–18 inches apart in fall. Handle carefully—brittle.

Care & Maintenance

Stake spikes in wind. Allow foliage to die back. No summer water. Mulch with gravel. Fertilize fall. Divide every 4–5 years.

Uses

Vertical accent in borders, rock gardens, xeriscapes. Cut flower (long-lasting). Dramatic in mass.

Potential Issues

Crown rot in wet soil. Slugs on young shoots. Aster yellows. Requires perfect drainage.

A soaring yellow spire that defines the late spring garden.