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Eremurus

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Eremurus
Eremurus himalaicus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Eremurus
Type species
Eremurus spectabilis
Synonyms[1]
  • Ammolirion Kar. & Kir.
  • Henningia Kar. & Kir.
  • Selonia Regel

Eremurus /ˌɛrɪˈmjʊərəs/[2] is a genus of deciduous perennial flowers in the family Asphodelaceae. They are also known as the foxtail lilies or desert candles. They are native to eastern Europe in (Russia and Ukraine), and temperate Asia from Turkey to China, with many species in Central Asia.[1][3]

The inflorescence consists of a tall floral spike whose individual flowers extend their anthers around the stem axis as in the bottle brushes. Depending on the species, the spike consists of many densely-arranged, small flowers in shades of orange, yellow, white, pale pink or red-orange. The grey-green, straplike leaves grow in a tuft from the succulent root crown. Eremurus is known for its thick, fingerlike roots, which grow from a central growth point. The blooming spike is notably tall and relatively narrow, rising from 3 to 9 or 10 feet above the foliage, depending on the species. These plants are mainly native to western and Central Asia, although Eremurus thiodanthus is endemic to the Crimea.[4]

Species

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As of November 2023, Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:[1]

Cultivation

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Eremurus is hardy to USDA Zones 5–7. Usually four species are available commercially for cultivation:

  • E. himalaicus grows to about 4 ft (1.2 m) with pure white racemes
  • E. robustus can reach 8–10 ft (2.4–3.0 m) in height with pink or white flower spikes
  • E. stenophyllus, a dwarf species, reaches 2–3 ft (0.61–0.91 m) in height with yellow flowers.

Also E. × isabellinus which is a hybrid of E. olgae and E. stenophyllus is available as 'Cleopatra', with orange spikes.[6]

The cultivar 'Joanna' has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[7]

The octopus-like tuberous roots are easily injured; planting on a cone of soil, with the crown on the peak and the roots hanging down, is recommended. Plants are readily affected by winter root rot, so that a layer of sand or gravel beneath is recommended to ensure drainage. Covering with compost or mulch provides protection from frost.[8][9]

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Eremurus M.Bieb." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2023-11-08.
  2. ^ Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:606–607
  3. ^ Flora of China Vol. 24 Page 159 独尾草属 du wei cao shu Eremurus Marschall von Bieberstein, Fl. Taur.-Caucas. 3: 269. 1819
  4. ^ "Botany.com: Eremurus". Archived from the original on 2008-07-20. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
  5. ^ PBS 2014.
  6. ^ CBG 2017.
  7. ^ "Eremurus 'Joanna'". RHS. Retrieved 7 June 2020.
  8. ^ "Mrs Greenfingers: How to Grow Eremurus". Archived from the original on 2011-10-04. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
  9. ^ "Love to Know Garden: Eremurus". Archived from the original on 2008-06-25. Retrieved 2008-07-09.

Bibliography

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Eremurus.
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