Eremurus

Eremurus are clump-forming perennials

Perennials are plants that live for multiple years. They come in all shapes and sizes and fill our gardens with colourful flowers and ornamental foliage. Many are hardy and can survive outdoors all year round, while less hardy types need protection over winter. The term herbaceous perennial is used to describe long-lived plants without a permanent woody structure (they die back to ground level each autumn), distinguishing them from trees, shrubs and sub-shrubs. with rosettes

Rosettes are the circular arrangement of flower petals; or a cluster of leaves radiating from approximately the same point usually around a stem. Examples include aeonium and most succulent plants, African violets, primula, sempervivums. of strap-shaped basal leaves producing dense racemes of small star-shaped flowers on erect leafless stems in early to midsummer. They are followed by round seedpods the size of marbles that bear winged seeds. Leaves and flowers grow from a central crown from which the fleshy roots radiate giving the bare root crow starfish like appearance.

Site and soil

Eremurus originate from the dry grasslands and semi-desert of western and central Asia, therefore it can be difficult to mimic such growing conditions in the UK climate.

They require free draining soil. Choose the sunniest spot in the garden and do not plant in frost pockets. Though hardy, the young spring foliage is prone to frost damage. Avoid windy sites if growing taller species or cultivars.

The fleshy, shallow root system resents disturbance and competition from other plants. Keep soil cultivation (e.g. hand weeding or digging) close to the plants to a minimum to prevent accidental root damage. Ideally clear away any plants growing around them. They may cope with closer company of smaller bulbs

These are fleshy, rounded, underground storage organs, usually sold and planted while dormant. Examples include daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, lilies, onions and garlic. The term is often used to cover other underground storage organs, including corms, tubers and rhizomes. or shallow rooted annuals

Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season. They are generally easy to grow from seed or can be bought as young plants from garden centres. Annuals are ideal for growing in summer containers and filling gaps in borders. Some examples of annuals include sunflowers, cosmos, sweet peas and zinnia. .

Planting

Bare root crowns are available in early spring or summer. Plant as soon as possible after purchase. If the roots appear dry, soaking them in water for a couple of hours prior to planting may help. Handle the brittle roots as little as possible.

Prepare the site by incorporating organic matter such as garden compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: • Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own. . If the soil is heavier, to aid drainage, consider raising the soil level of the bed intended for planting.

Create a shallow planting hole 15-20cm (6-8in) in depth and wider than the roots. Position the centre of the crown on a mound of coarse grit, sharp sand

Sharp sand is washed, gritty sand used in potting compost mixes, This is sold for gardening and is not the same as builders sharp sand. or soil, so the central growing point is just below the soil surface. If planting in clumps space the crowns 30-90cm (1-3ft) depending on the size and cultivar

Gardeners often use the word variety when referring to a specific plant, but the correct botanical term is 'cultivar'. Whichever word you use, it means a distinctive plant or plants, given a specific cultivar name and usually bred to enhance certain characteristics, such as flower or fruit size, colour, flavour or fragrance, plant size, hardiness, disease resistance, etc. Additionally, it is worth knowing that, botanically, variety has another meaning - it refers to a naturally-occurring distinct plant that only has slight differences in its looks. For example, Malva alcea var. fastigiata differs from typical plants by having an upright habit. vigour.

Mark the position of the plant with a cane

A cane is a slender, straight, length of woody plant material, usually bamboo. Canes are primarily used as plant supports. The fruiting stems of blackberries, raspberries and hybrid berries (such as loganberries and tayberries) are also known as canes, so these crops are often referred to as cane fruit. or similar to avoid accidental damage when dormant

Dormancy refers to a period of inactivity in plants, during which they slow down or stop their growth, conserving energy and resources. This is a natural process that helps them survive harsh conditions, such as winter or drought. Dormancy in seeds is a mechanism that prevents them germinating until environmental conditions are favourable for growth. . This would also mark a good spot for inserting a stake, if needed.

Potted plants may be available in spring.

Eremurus is not well suited for a long term container cultivation.

Watering and feeding

Once in active growth feed with high potassium fertiliser such as sulphate of potash in spring. If plants are damaged by late frost or are not very vigorous, consider liquid feeding with a general fertiliser once a month in late spring and summer.

Make sure that the plants are not prone to drying out when in leaf. The foliage will start dying down soon after flowering. When dormant in summer they enjoy dry conditions.

Winter protection

Although hardy, eremurus can be damaged by waterlogged

Describes soil or potting compost that is saturated with water. The water displaces air from the spaces between soil particles and plant roots can literally drown, unless they are adapted to growing in waterlogged conditions. Waterlogging is common on poorly drained soil or when heavy soil is compacted. soil. Application of dry autumn mulch

Mulch is a layer of material, at least 5cm (2in) thick, applied to the soil surface in late autumn to late winter (Nov-Feb). It is used to provide frost protection, improve plant growth by adding nutrients or increasing organic matter content, reducing water loss from the soil, for decorative purposes and suppressing weeds. Examples include well-rotted garden compost and manure, chipped bark, gravel, grit and slate chippings. such as bark

Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants. or gravel may be beneficial, but avoid covering the centre of the crown.

Eremurus comes into growth early in the season and the shoots are prone to frost damage. Protect the new growth with fleece or cloches.

Taller plants will require staking, but care must be taken not to damage the fragile roots when inserting the stake or cane

A cane is a slender, straight, length of woody plant material, usually bamboo. Canes are primarily used as plant supports. The fruiting stems of blackberries, raspberries and hybrid berries (such as loganberries and tayberries) are also known as canes, so these crops are often referred to as cane fruit. .

Unless seeds are required, once finished flowering the flower spike can be cut out at the base. At the end of the season wait for the foliage to die down before removing it.

Propagate by fresh seed in the autumn; germination

Germination is the process by which a seed develops into a new plant. It starts with the seed coat absorbing water, expanding and splitting, which allows oxygen and water into the seed so its food reserves can be broken down and used by the embryo for growth. The first root (called the radicle) pushes into the soil to anchor the new plant in place and start absorbing water and nutrients. The first shoot (called the plumule) then grows upwards, out of the soil, towards the light. of older seed is likely to be erratic. Alternatively, sow stored seed in spring or early summer. Pot up seedlings

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed. individually when large enough to handle. Plant in the final position at the end of their second or third year. Seed grown plants will take between 3-5 years to flower.

Mature eremurus clumps can be divided once flowering has finished and foliage died down. Care should be taken not to damage the fragile fleshy roots.

Eremurus himalaicus: White flower, flower stem 2-2.5m (6½-8ft) tall. Spread 60cm (2ft).

E. × isabellinus 'Cleopatra': Orange flowers, flower stem 1.5m (5ft) tall, spread 60-90cm (2-3ft).

E. × isabellinus 'Pinokkio': Orange buds

A bud is a small, undeveloped shoot that contains the potential for new growth. Buds are typically found on stems, where they can be apical (found at the tip) or axillary (found between leaf axils) and may develop into leaves, shoots or flowers. opening deep daffodil yellow flowers with bright orange stamens, flower stem 1.2m (4ft), spread 40cm (16in).

E. robustus AGM: Pale peachy-pink flowers, flower stem 2.5-3m (8-10ft), spread 1.5m (5ft).

E. stenophyllus AGM: Small yellow star-shaped flowers, flower stem 1-1.5m (3-5ft) tall, spread 60cm (2ft).

E. ‘Romance’: Salmony orange-pink flowers, flower stem 1.2-1.5m (4-5ft), spread 60-90cm (2-3ft). Ruiter hybrid.

E. 'White Beauty Favourite': Brilliant white flowers, flower stem 1.2m (4ft), spread 50cm (20in). Ruiter hybrid.

RHS Find a Plant

Poor growth and lack of flowering is usually caused by the growing conditions. Planting on well-drained soils and in full sun is essential. Do not let other plants smother their foliage or compete with their roots.

Do not buy crowns that appear desiccated, they may not perform well.

Damage to the new growth by frost or slug and snails will weaken the plant. Protect new shoots with fleece if late frost is forecast. Liquid feed damaged plants with general fertiliser to boost growth.

Failing to grow in subsequent years is likely to be caused by waterlogging of the soil or is due to root damage caused by soil disturbance.

Taller plants may need staking.