Why did my Eremurus fail to bloom?

It likely did not receive enough sun or the roots were damaged during the winter.

Do I need to stake this plant?

Yes, the tall spikes are susceptible to wind damage and benefit from sturdy support.

Plant guide

Foxtail lily.

Eremurus robustus

Pronounced eh-rem-YOO-rus ro-BUS-tus

Also known as Foxtail Lily

Eremurus robustus — Photo by Christoph Moning (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The foxtail lily is a stunning perennial that sends up massive, towering spikes of star shaped flowers. It makes a dramatic statement in any sunny garden bed. These plants are true showstoppers when they bloom in late spring.

Another photo of Foxtail lily — Photo by Alexander Dubynin (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 8 to 10 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant these in a spot with excellent drainage to keep the fleshy roots from rotting. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal the plant is going dormant for the summer. Provide support for the tall flower stalks if your garden is windy.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the spring growth phase but allow it to dry out once the plant goes dormant.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season before the flowers emerge.
Pruning: Cut back the flower stalks once they have finished blooming and the foliage begins to wither.
Repotting: These plants prefer to stay undisturbed, so only divide or move them when they become overcrowded.
Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -15 to 35°C
Humidity: 20 to 50%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 plus years if conditions are ideal.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots circling the bottom of the container.
Stunted growth despite proper fertilization.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, though sap may cause minor skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Children: The tall, heavy flower spikes can be unstable if climbed or pulled, posing a minor tipping hazard for small children.
Contact allergens: Handling the fleshy roots or foliage may cause mild contact dermatitis in some people.
Airborne allergens: The abundant pollen produced by the dense flower spikes can trigger hay fever in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should not be consumed.

How to identify it

Tall spikes of tiny star flowers
Long, strap like basal leaves
Fleshy, spider like root system
Dramatic height reaching several feet

Height: 2 to 3m
Spread: 0.6 to 0.9m
Leaves: green, blue-green, deciduous
Flowers: pink, white, 2 to 4cm

Problems to watch for

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: autumn
Overwintering: Ensure the soil is well drained to prevent the roots from rotting during wet winters. A light mulch can be applied to protect the crown from extreme temperature fluctuations.
In containers: Not well suited for containers due to the extensive root system and extreme height.

Division

1. Carefully lift the root clump in late summer during dormancy.
2. Gently pull the fleshy roots apart ensuring each section has a growing point.
3. Replant immediately in well draining soil at the same depth as before.

Plant with low growing perennials that thrive in dry summer conditions to protect the dormant roots from excess moisture.

Grows well with

Peony · They share similar sun and soil requirements while providing contrasting foliage textures.
Catmint · The low growing habit of catmint hides the base of the Eremurus as its leaves begin to fade.

Similar species

Foxtail Lily · A smaller, yellow flowered relative that is easier to manage in smaller gardens.

Science

Family: Asphodelaceae
Genus: Eremurus
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Central Asia, specifically the mountains of Turkestan.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

It grows in open, sunny mountain slopes where it experiences distinct wet springs and hot, dry summers.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental focal point, back of border, cut flowers

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why did my Eremurus fail to bloom?: It likely did not receive enough sun or the roots were damaged during the winter.
Do I need to stake this plant?: Yes, the tall spikes are susceptible to wind damage and benefit from sturdy support.

Where the name comes from

The name Eremurus comes from the Greek words eremos, meaning solitary, and oura, meaning tail, referring to the flower spike. The species name robustus highlights its impressive, sturdy size.

Good to know

The roots look like a starfish or octopus.
It is often called the desert candle.
It requires a long, dry summer dormancy to thrive.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.