Why can’t I grow foxtail lilies successfully?
Isobel Ebdon, by email
Stefan says: You are about to order your fourth batch of foxtail lilies (eremurus), and say this will be your last effort. Some have never appeared above the surface of the soil while, if they did grow, many just produced leaves and then died or managed to flower for one year only. You plant them in a south-facing border and your soil is alkaline.
I confess I have never found eremurus particularly easy. The problem starts because planting an eremurus is like planting a fragile-armed octopus. Their long, fleshy roots are easily broken and when you buy them, they are often dry and need a good soaking first. They must have a sunny position and a light, very free-draining soil. Once planted, they must be kept free from competition. They seldom succeed in a crowded herbaceous border.