Interflora flowers

Eremurus flowerA genus of between 35-40 flowers, Eremurus has a long, almost tuberous shape. They’re also known as Desert Candles or Foxtail Lilies, and belong to the lily family.

Description
Colours range from snow white and bright yellow to pastel pink, orange and copper. Some plants within the genus have two or more of those colours. The tip of most species resembles a long spike.

Habitat
Eremurus originated in central Asia, especially in Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan. However, some varieties are known to have thrived in the Himalayan regions including Eremurus Himalaia. To grow them correctly, Eremurus plants require a lot of sunlight, a cold snap to help with flowering and good drainage. For drainage, lay the roots above a 1-2in thick layer of sharp sand.

Availability
These plants are usually available during spring, summer and autumn, although you can start growing them during the winter, especially in the event of a cold snap.

Species
The most well-known species is the Eremurus Robustus simply because of its size, although others look just as striking. Eremurus Bungei, native to Iran, have yellow 2-3ft long inflorescences, while Eremurus Olgae is a dwarf variety which flowers as late as June or July.

Care Tips
Drainage is hugely important with Eremurus plants. By placing the roots on top of a layer of sand, you help to prevent any damage that could be done to the roots, as they often thrive in sandy conditions. Planting them during the winter months will help with flowering, and by doing just that, they could last for a long time.

Did you know?
The Eremurus Robustus species can grow to over ten feet in height, making it one of the tallest flowers known to man.