This time of the year it is always a treat to see the Eremurus blooming. Because we have them planted in an area under the walnut trees where not much else is growing, they seem to shoot up out of nowhere.
Foxtail Lilies in bloom
As you may or may not know, it is nearly impossible to grow most plants under Black Walnut trees, but the Eremurus seems to live there just fine.
These plants are native to Tibet where the summers are hot and dry but have good fall and spring rainfall. This often describes the weather in this part of the country as well. It’s no wonder that Foxtail Lilies do well here.
Our Eremurus are the yellow variety (bungei) and range from 3 to 4 feet tall.
From a distance, the hundreds of tiny flowers on the stalk merge together to give them their unique look.
Eremurus Flowers
It’s when you get closer that the individual flowers become apparent.
Foxtail Lilies are grown from tuberous roots that in themselves have a unique shape, they sort of remind me of star fish.
Fall is the time when the roots are planted, so you have some time to track some down and get them ordered. We got ours from K. van Bourgondien and Sons (dutchbulbs.com).
There is one thing I would recommend when planting your Foxtail Lily this fall, and that is to mulch them well. They are a little weak getting started the first fall. However, after that, they thrive here in southern Michigan.
So, put Eremurus on your fall ” must-buy list”.
Bob
what a pretty plant
Comment by victoria mcintyre — July 13, 2009 @ 11:54 pm
I love garden art and the way you show them! gardening is one of my biggest passions
Comment by beth — July 14, 2009 @ 11:59 pm
Where did you get the foxtail lilies? I saw them a lot visiting my niece in CO and want to grow some myself here in MI.
Comment by Monica the Garden Faerie — July 30, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
Hi Monica, I’m not sure of a local or Michigan source. We purchased ours from Dutch Bulbs. If you click on the link up in the blog, it will take you to their web site, then scroll down to specialty bulbs and click that. The Foxtail Lilies are in that listing.
Good luck to you.
Bob
Comment by Bob — July 31, 2009 @ 6:32 pm
Bob, thanks for the link–I got so excited about the fact that they grow in MI, I posted my question before reading through your entry post! While I like to buy local, I have no problem ordering a plant I really want from elsewhere. Thanks!
Comment by Monica the Garden Faerie — August 4, 2009 @ 9:57 am
Monica,
I hope they turn out well for you.
Bob
Comment by Bob — August 4, 2009 @ 5:41 pm