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Foxtail LilyEremurusLacy Bird Encyclopedia
line · moderate · premium

Foxtail Lily

Eremurus · aka desert candle, king's spear, eremurus

Eremurus, the foxtail lily, sends up towering tapered spires studded with hundreds of tiny star-shaped florets that open from the base upward. Florists prize it as a dramatic line flower that brings height, movement and an airy, architectural quality to large-scale designs and tall arrangements. Available in warm sunset shades of yellow, orange, peach and apricot as well as soft white, it is a signature stem for luxury summer weddings and grand installations. Its bold vertical form reads beautifully from a distance, making it a favourite for statement pedestal work.

At a glance
FamilyAsphodelaceae
OriginCentral and Western Asia (steppe and semi-desert)
Peak seasonJune, July
AvailabilityMay, June, July, August
Stem length80–150 cm
Vase life7–14 days
Colorsyellow, orange, peach, white, apricot, pink
Price tierpremium
Conditioning

Cut stems on an angle and place in deep, cool water with flower food; the flowers open from the base upward, so remove spent lower florets to keep the spire looking fresh. They are heavy drinkers, so top up the water often and keep them out of drafts and direct heat. Condition them upright so the tall stems stay straight rather than bending toward the light.

Care in the vase
  • Cut stems at an angle
  • Use deep, cool water with flower food
  • Strip foliage below the waterline
  • Store upright to keep stems straight
  • Remove spent lower florets
  • Keep away from heat and drafts
Design role & symbolism
Symbolismendurance, aspiration, strength
Occasionswedding, summer wedding, luxury wedding, tall arrangements, installation, editorial
line-flowerarchitecturaltalldramaticsummerweddingluxury

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