Desert Candle

Basic Information

Common Name: Desert Candle
Scientific Name: Eremurus himalaicus
Native Habitat: Western Himalayas, including regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. It is typically found in mountainous areas, growing in meadows and on rocky slopes.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The genus *Eremurus*, meaning “desert tail” in Greek, refers to the striking, tall flower spikes that are characteristic of these plants, often emerging from arid or semi-arid landscapes. *Eremurus himalaicus*, specifically, hails from the rugged and often challenging terrain of the Western Himalayas. While the exact date of its first scientific description can be traced back to botanical expeditions in the 19th century exploring the flora of the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions, it was within this period that Western botanists began documenting the vast plant diversity of the Himalayas.One of the key figures involved in the systematic study and classification of plants from this region was Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, who led extensive botanical surveys in the Himalayas during the mid-19th century. Although *Eremurus himalaicus* might have been collected and noted by various explorers, its formal botanical description and classification were crucial steps in introducing it to the wider scientific community and eventually to horticulture.The transition of *Eremurus himalaicus* from a wild mountain plant to a garden specimen was a gradual process. Early plant hunters recognized the horticultural potential of its dramatic flower spikes and sturdy nature. Seeds or root divisions were likely collected and sent back to botanical gardens and private estates in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, which had strong ties to India at the time. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, played a significant role as a hub for receiving, propagating, and distributing plants from around the world, and many Himalayan species, including *Eremurus*, were first cultivated there.Cultivation outside its native habitat presented challenges. *Eremurus himalaicus*, like other foxtail lilies, requires specific conditions: sharp drainage, full sun, and a period of winter cold. Gardeners had to learn how to replicate these conditions, especially ensuring the fleshy, starfish-like roots did not rot in damp soil during dormancy. Over time, through trial and error, techniques for successful cultivation were developed. Nurseries began propagating and selling *Eremurus himalaicus*, making it available to gardeners seeking architectural plants with late spring to early summer interest.While specific individuals famous solely for cultivating *Eremurus himalaicus* might not be widely recorded, the plant’s popularization is owed to generations of horticulturists, plant breeders, and garden enthusiasts who appreciated its unique beauty and worked to make it thrive in diverse climates. The genus *Eremurus* includes several species, and hybridization efforts have led to many popular garden cultivars, but *Eremurus himalaicus* itself remains valued for its stately white spires and its origin as one of the truly wild Himalayan ‘desert candles’. Its story is intertwined with the history of botanical exploration and the continuous effort to bring the wonders of the natural world into cultivated landscapes.

Plant Care Summary

Category	General Requirement	Notes
Light	Full Sun	Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day for best flowering.
Water	Low to Moderate	Drought tolerant once established. Water regularly during growth and flowering, but reduce significantly or stop once foliage dies back.
Humidity	Low	Tolerates dry air well, mirroring its native mountainous habitat.
Temp. Range	Cold Hardy	Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8. Requires a cold dormancy period but protect from excessive winter wetness.
Soil Type	Well-drained	Crucially requires very well-drained soil. Sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils are ideal. Avoid heavy clay that retains water.
Fertilizer	Light	Feed lightly with a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing which can lead to weak growth or rot.
Toxicity	Unknown/Low Risk	Information on toxicity is limited, but typically not listed as toxic. Handle roots with care as they can cause skin irritation in some individuals.

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

*Eremurus himalaicus* possesses remarkable adaptations that allow it to thrive in the harsh conditions of the Western Himalayas, characterized by cold winters, rocky or gravelly soil, and distinct wet and dry seasons. The most notable adaptation is its unique root system. It consists of a central crown with thick, fleshy, brittle roots radiating outwards like a starfish or octopus. These roots function as storage organs, accumulating water and nutrients during the brief growing season to sustain the plant through dormancy. This structure also allows the plant to anchor itself firmly in loose, rocky soil and enables rapid regrowth when conditions are favorable. Its tall, sturdy flower spike is also an adaptation for attracting pollinators in open, windy environments, lifting the flowers high above surrounding vegetation.

Propagation Methods

The most common and effective method for propagating *Eremurus himalaicus* is by division of the fleshy root crown. This is best done in late summer or early autumn after the foliage has died back and the plant enters dormancy. The crown can be carefully lifted and separated into sections, ensuring each section has at least one prominent bud (eye) and a few healthy roots. Care must be taken as the roots are brittle and easily snapped. Each division can then be replanted immediately in prepared, well-drained soil. Propagation from seed is also possible but is a much slower process, often taking several years for plants to reach flowering size. Seeds require a cold stratification period and should be sown in autumn or early spring.

Toxicology

Specific detailed toxicological studies on *Eremurus himalaicus* are not widely available, and it is generally not listed among common toxic plants for humans or pets by major horticultural and veterinary sources. However, handling the rootstock can cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation in some sensitive individuals. It’s always prudent to wear gloves when handling the fleshy roots during planting or division. While ingestion is not typically associated with severe toxicity, consuming large amounts of any non-food plant material can potentially cause mild digestive upset. As with all plants, it is best to keep it out of reach of curious pets and children and discourage ingestion.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Aphids (can infest young shoots and flower buds)
• Slugs and snails (especially on new growth in spring)
• Mice and voles (may occasionally nibble on the fleshy roots)

Diseases:

• Crown and Root Rot (most common and serious issue, caused by poor drainage and excessive moisture, especially during dormancy)
• Grey Mould (Botrytis – can occur in damp conditions, affecting leaves and flowers)

Other:

• Failure to flower: Often due to insufficient sunlight, poor drainage causing root damage, immature plants (from seed), or inadequate winter chilling.
• Weak or stunted growth: Can result from poor soil fertility, overcrowding, or root damage (either from pests, disease, or planting disturbance).
• Foliage dying back prematurely: A natural process after flowering, but can be accelerated by drought during the growing season or root issues.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

*Eremurus himalaicus* is not considered exceptionally rare in cultivation compared to some highly sought-after collector plants. However, it is less commonly seen in average garden centers than more ubiquitous perennials. Its rarity in standard horticulture stems partly from its specific cultivation requirements (especially the absolute need for sharp drainage and care during root handling), which can make it less forgiving for novice gardeners. Its availability fluctuates, and sourcing healthy, established root crowns can sometimes require ordering from specialist nurseries. Its natural habitat is also specific, though the species itself is not currently listed as endangered in the wild.

Value:

The market value of *Eremurus himalaicus* is primarily determined by the size and maturity of the root crown. Larger, more established root divisions with multiple buds will command a higher price than smaller ones or young plants grown from seed. As a plant that takes several years to reach full size and flowering potential, a mature specimen is inherently more valuable. While variegation isn’t typically a factor for this species, the health and vigor of the root system are paramount. Current horticultural trends can influence demand, but the value is generally stable, reflecting the cost of propagation, care during its slow development, and the relative availability from growers specializing in plants with specific needs like Eremurus.