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| Eremurus | Common name; Foxtail lily |
A tall clump-forming hardy herbaceous perennial suitable for the back of a herbaceous border.
It can grow up to 2 metres high (7ft) tall meaning the plants may require staking.
The 600mm long spikes of small star or cup-shaped flowers, appear from May to July.
Note; Eremurus require cold winters to flower well.
In early spring when the basal growth appears they might need some protection from frost and slugs & snails
During the growing season the plants may lack vigour, giving them a balanced liquid fertiliser may help.
Week 13; Sow purchased seed into trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 15°C (60°F).
Germination should about 4-5 days
Week 15; If large enough to handle prick out seedlings into 70mm(3") pots of potting compost and grow them on in a cold frame or nursery bed for two years.
Week 34; Collect seed and sow immediately into trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 15°C (60°F).
Prick out plants into 70mm (3") pots and grow them on in a cold frame or nursery bed for two years.
Week 35;Once the spikes have finished flowering and you have collected all the seed you require, they flower stems can be cut down to the base of the plant to leave the foliage to die down naturally.
Week 36; Plant out in full sun, 600-900mm (2-3ft) apart, and 150mm (6") deep in a moisture retentive alkaline soil.
Note; Plants not receiving enough sun will often fail to flower
If planting in light soil add copious amounts of organic matter such as well-rotted farmyard manure prior to planting.
On heavy soils add coarse sand or grit to form a drainage layer in the base of the planting hole
If practical plant out in a sheltered sunny spot that avoids the morning sun.
If buying in bare rooted plants spread the roots horizontally with the crown just below the surface so the bud is at soil level.
Week 38; If necessary, divide established, overcrowded plants and replant them immediately.
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