Foxtail Lily
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.
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Central and Western Asia (steppe and semi-desert) |
| Peak season | June, July |
| Availability | May, June, July, August |
| Stem length | 80–150 cm |
| Vase life | 7–14 days |
| Colors | yellow, orange, peach, white, apricot, pink |
| Price tier | premium |
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.
- •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
2 named foxtail lily cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Foxtail Lily in season?
Foxtail Lily peaks in June, July, and florists can usually source it May, June, July, August. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Foxtail Lily last in a vase?
Expect 7–14 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Foxtail Lily?
Good substitutes for Foxtail Lily include Delphinium, Liatris, Gladiolus, Snapdragon. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Foxtail Lily symbolise?
Foxtail Lily is associated with endurance, aspiration, strength.
How do you care for cut Foxtail Lily?
Cut stems at an angle
