Eremurus robustus
giant desert candle
A large plant with rosettes of blue-green leaves to 1.2m long and 10cm wide. Flower spikes to 3m, individual flowers palest peachy-pink to 4cm across, the petals with brown-marked bases, stamens yellow. Attractive to butterflies
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Blue Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Eremurus are herbaceous perennials growing from fleshy roots, with rosettes of strap-shaped basal leaves and a dense racemes of small star-shaped flowers on erect leafless stems
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, sandy, well-drained loam in full sun, with shelter from wind. Mulch with garden compost in autumn, but avoid covering the crown. Young spring growth can be protected with a dry mulch
Propagation
Propagate by seed by sowing in containers in a cold frame in autumn or at 15°C (59°F) in late winter. Can also be propagated by division after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Slugs may cause damage
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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