foxtail lily

Foxtail lily plants should be watered when the soil becomes slightly dry; however, it is important to use only tepid water. It is best to water near the base of the stem, allowing the water to soak down towards the roots. Watering should occur once a week during the spring and summer months and every 2 weeks during the winter, or during periods of heavy rainfall. Additionally, it is best to avoid wetting the foliage in order to reduce the chances of fungal diseases.

Foxtail lilies (Eremurus himalaicus) thrive in full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day when grown outdoors. They should be planted in a spot that gets direct sun for most of the day. When grown indoors, they should be placed near a south-facing window and moved periodically throughout the day to ensure they get the best combination of light and heat. This open sun exposure will enable the flowers to open more fully and last longer than if the plant was situated in shade or semi-shade.

Foxtail lilies should be pruned each year in late autumn or winter while the plant is dormant. Pruning should involve the removal of all old and dead flower stems along with the weak or spindly growth that may be visible. Additionally, any basal offshoots should also be cut off at the base, as these may detract from the overall neatness of the plant as it grows. Winter pruning should also involve cutting back any remaining dead flower stems to within 2-4” of the ground. This will encourage new growth and flowering for the upcoming season.