Eremurus

Basic Information

Common Name: Eremurus

Scientific Name: Eremurus

Native Habitat: Central Asia, Western Asia, the Himalayas, and Eastern Europe, typically in dry, open habitats like steppes, mountainous regions, and deserts.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

The genus Eremurus, commonly known as Foxtail Lilies or Desert Candles, boasts a captivating history rooted in the vast and often harsh landscapes of Central Asia. These dramatic plants, with their towering spires of star-shaped flowers, were relatively unknown to the Western horticultural world until the 19th century. The genus itself was formally described in 1810 by the German-Russian botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow, based on earlier work by Friedrich Marschall von Biberstein, who studied flora in the Caucasus region.

However, the true diversity and horticultural potential of Eremurus came to light through the extensive botanical explorations of Central Asia during the latter half of the 19th century. Figures like the Russian geographer and botanist Nikolai Przhevalsky and the British explorer and botanist Henry Elwes played significant roles in introducing various species to science and cultivation. Przhevalsky, renowned for his expeditions in remote parts of Central Asia, encountered and collected specimens of several Eremurus species, documenting their presence in areas previously unexplored by European botanists. Similarly, Elwes, known for his work on lilies (Lilium), took interest in these related, striking plants.

Many species were discovered in mountainous regions and arid steppes, challenging the prevailing botanical understanding of where such seemingly exotic and tall plants could thrive. Their adaptation to harsh, dry conditions, including freezing winters and scorching summers, was a testament to their resilience, stored within their unique fleshy, starfish-shaped root systems.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a surge in interest in Eremurus among European gardeners. Species like Eremurus robustus, with its monumental pink spikes reaching up to 10 feet, and Eremurus elwesii (named after Henry Elwes), gained popularity for their spectacular display. Cultivators and nurseries began importing tubers and seeds, experimenting with growing them in European climates. While challenging in damper, heavier soils, their architectural form and impressive bloom made them highly sought-after additions to large borders, woodland edges, and sunny garden spots.

Hybridization efforts also began, aiming to combine the best traits of different species, such as flower color, bloom time, and adaptability. One notable group of hybrids are the ‘Highdown Hybrids’, developed in the UK, known for their vigor and varied color palette. These efforts helped to make Eremurus more accessible and reliable for gardeners outside their native range, cementing their place as a dramatic and treasured perennial in gardens around the world. Today, they remain a symbol of patience and spectacle, rewarding the gardener who can provide the specific conditions they require.

Plant Care Summary

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Eremurus has evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive in its challenging native environments, which include arid steppes and mountainous regions with dry summers and cold winters. The most significant adaptation is its unique root system: a central growing point with thick, fleshy, radiating storage roots resembling a starfish or octopus. These roots act as reservoirs, storing water and nutrients to survive prolonged periods of drought and dormancy during the hot, dry summers. The plant dies back completely to these roots during its dormant phase, conserving resources. The roots are also quite brittle and vulnerable to disturbance, hence the need for careful planting and minimal root interference once established. The plant’s ability to rapidly emerge and flower in spring, utilizing moisture from snowmelt or spring rains before the intense summer heat, is another crucial adaptation. Their tall flower spikes, sometimes reaching impressive heights of 8-10 feet, likely serve to attract pollinators over long distances in open landscapes.

Propagation Methods

The most common and effective method for propagating established Eremurus clumps is by division. This is best done carefully in early autumn as the plant enters dormancy or very early spring just as growth begins, before shoots become too developed and brittle. Established clumps often produce offsets or additional growth points from the central crown over time. The fleshy roots are carefully unearthed and the clump is gently teased or cut apart, ensuring each division has at least one strong growth bud (eye) and a section of healthy storage roots. Care must be taken not to damage the brittle roots. Divisions should be replanted immediately in well-drained soil. Growing Eremurus from seed is possible but requires significant patience, as it typically takes 5-7 years or even longer for seedlings to reach flowering maturity. Seeds usually require a period of cold stratification to germinate effectively.

Toxicology

While not considered highly toxic, Eremurus does pose a mild risk. Contact with the sap from the roots or foliage, particularly in sensitive individuals, can cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis, resulting in redness, itching, or a rash. If ingested by humans or pets (such as cats or dogs), it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The primary concern is irritation due to sap or potentially compounds within the roots rather than severe systemic toxicity. As with many plants, it is always advisable to exercise caution, wear gloves when handling the roots or broken stems, and prevent pets and children from ingesting any part of the plant.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Slugs and Snails: Particularly damaging to emerging shoots in spring.
• Aphids: Can cluster on flower buds and stems, sucking sap.
• Spider Mites: May appear in hot, dry conditions, causing stippling on foliage.

Diseases:

• Root Rot: The most significant problem, caused by poor drainage leading to waterlogged soil.
• Fungal Leaf Spots: Can occur in prolonged wet or humid conditions.

Other:

• Late Frost Damage: Emerging flower spikes are susceptible to damage from late spring frosts.
• Failure to Flower: Common causes include insufficient sunlight, poor drainage, immature plants, excessive nitrogen fertilizer (promotes foliage over flowers), or disturbance of the roots.
• Wind Damage: Tall flower spikes can be susceptible to snapping in strong winds, particularly when in full bloom.
• Root Disturbance: The brittle, fleshy roots are easily broken, which can set the plant back or prevent flowering. Avoid digging near established plants.

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

In cultivation, many common species and hybrid forms of Eremurus are widely available, though perhaps not as ubiquitous as more common garden perennials. However, some specific species, particularly lesser-known wild varieties, or highly sought-after, perhaps newer, hybrid cultivars, can be considered relatively rare or harder to find. Their inherent rarity in the horticultural trade is often linked to their specific environmental needs (making commercial large-scale production challenging without the right conditions), slow growth rate from seed (making seed-propagated plants expensive), and the delicate, brittle nature of their roots which makes handling and shipping more difficult than many other plants. Habitat loss also contributes to the rarity of some species in their native range.

Value:

The market value of Eremurus specimens is primarily influenced by their size, maturity, and the specific species or cultivar. Larger, established clumps with multiple flowering stalks are significantly more valuable than young tubers, which may take several years to bloom. The quality and vigor of the root system are also key indicators of a plant’s health and future performance, impacting its value. Specific species known for exceptional height (E. robustus) or unique colors or forms may command higher prices. Hybrid cultivars bred for specific traits like earlier flowering, specific color palettes, or improved garden performance also contribute to value. While not typically reaching the extreme prices seen for some rare tropical houseplants, a mature, healthy clump of a desirable Eremurus cultivar represents a considerable investment due to the time required to grow it to flowering size and the specialized care needed.