Eremurus stenophyllus, the narrow-leaved foxtail lily, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae, native to central Asia. It is an herbaceous perennial growing to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall and broad, with narrow strap-shaped leaves. Racemes composed of small yellow flowers appear in summer. The flowers darken to brown from the base, forming a two-tone effect.with age. The specific epithet stenophyllus is derived from the Greek stenos (narrow) and phyllon (leaf) to give “with narrow leaves”.This plant is grown as a garden perennial for a sunny border, and has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Though hardy down to −20 °C (−4 °F), in colder areas it benefits from the shelter of a wall.Two subspecies are listed, E. stenophyllus subsp. ambigens, and E. stenophyllus subsp. aurantiacus.
The Yelloy foxtail lily shows strong disease resistance and is generally not prone to illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment, though such infections are typically mild. In terms of care, this plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also aid in encouraging blooms. The Yelloy foxtail lily is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, like a garden or patio, and does not require extensive gardening experience. It may demand more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Eremurus Stenophyllus.
Light
Yelloy foxtail lily is a sun-loving perennial herbaceous plant native to open habitats, frequently flourishing in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun conditions.
Water
The yellow foxtail lily thrives when moderately watered, ideally every 1-2 weeks, in conditions with balanced humidity. Originating from arid regions, this plant is drought-tolerant. As an herbaceous perennial, the yellow foxtail lily enters a dormant phase during the cold months, requiring less water at that time.
Temperature
Yelloy foxtail lily can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by different mixes of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Long stretches of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can raise the chance of the Yelloy foxtail lily dying. In winter, appropriate protection from cold can increase the plant’s survival rate.
Fertilizer
For Yelloy foxtail lily, the primary time to apply fertilizer is in early spring when the flowers are developing. The proper fertilizer promotes better blooms and helps the Yelloy foxtail lily produce attractive flowers. Fertilizing in early spring ensures strong flowers throughout the season and supplies energy for dormant growth phases.
Pruning
The yellow foxtail lily is known for its tall spikes of bright yellow flowers and benefits greatly from early spring pruning. To promote optimal growth, remove dead stems and cut back the stalks after they have finished flowering. Maintaining the appropriate height is also important. Make sure to use clean tools for this process to ensure effective pruning, which will enhance air circulation and reduce the risk of disease. This will result in a vibrant floral display next season.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Eremurus
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 1.22 m
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Yellow foxtail lily?
To properly water the Yelloy foxtail lily, it is best to use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may contain harmful particles, so filtered water is preferred. Since the plant is accustomed to a warm environment, the water should be at room temperature or slightly warmer to avoid shocking the plant. It is also important to avoid overhead watering, as this can cause issues with the foliage. Instead, gradually soak the soil with the filtered room temperature water until it is fully saturated. This will benefit the plant by providing moisture to the roots and aiding in nutrient absorption as the roots spread throughout the soil.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Yelloy foxtail lily?
The main structure of the Yelloy foxtail lily is made up of its leaves. Fertilization plays a critical role in ensuring that these leaves look great and function properly. By providing proper fertilization, you can help your Yelloy foxtail lily maintain consistent leaf color and a healthy texture. Fertilization also benefits the plant's root system, promoting the growth of new roots and maintaining existing ones. In this way, fertilization not only keeps the plant healthy in the present, but also enhances its ability to absorb soil nutrients in the future.
What are the sunlight requirements for Yelloy foxtail lily?
Yelloy foxtail lily thrives in full sun conditions, requiring above 6 hours of sunlight daily. It's pivotal to ensure that the selected spots in your garden for these plants offer a harmonious balance of light and shade, optimizing the plant's growth and well-being. Additionally, while Yelloy foxtail lily prefers full sunlight, it can also adapt to partial sun situations, making it a versatile plant for various garden locations.
What should I do if I give my Yelloy foxtail lily too much or too little water?
Overwatering is a common issue that can harm your Yelloy foxtail lily. It causes wilting, yellowing of stems and leaves, and can lead to diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew. Underwatering is less common but still possible, resulting in brittle, brown leaves. It's important to recognize the signs of overwatering early to prevent irreversible damage. Reduce watering if you notice these signs and check the soil's drainage. Replace poorly draining soil with a loose, well-draining potting mix if needed. If your plant is not getting enough water, increase your watering schedule until the signs of underwatering disappear.
When should I fertilize my Yelloy foxtail lily for best results?
If you grow your Yelloy foxtail lily outdoors, it will send new growth in early spring. This is a signal to start fertilization. Usually, one application of fertilizer is enough, but if you want maximum growth, you can repeat the feeding multiple times during the spring and early summer. In this case, feed your Yelloy foxtail lily once every month to a month and a half.
How can artificial lighting benefit indoor Yelloy foxtail lilies?
Indoor Yelloy foxtail lilies benefit significantly from artificial lighting, especially in scenarios where natural sunlight is insufficient, such as during winter or in less sunny indoor spaces. Artificial lights, particularly LED lights, can be tailored to provide the specific wavelengths needed for optimal plant growth. Recommended artificial light intensities are 30-50W/sq ft for full sun plants, 20-30W/sq ft for partial sun plants, and 10-20W/sq ft for full shade plants. It's also essential to place the artificial light source 12-36 inches above the plant and ensure it mimics natural daylight hours, generally between 8-12 hours per day, to promote healthier plant growth.
How often do I need to water my Yelloy foxtail lily?
If your Yelloy foxtail lily is in a pot, the best way to determine if it needs water is by sticking your finger into the soil. If the top two to three inches of soil feel dry, it's time to water. If you have planted your Yelloy foxtail lily outdoors, you can use a similar method to check the soil. When the top few inches of soil have dried out, it's time to water. Usually, during the spring and early fall, watering once a week is sufficient. However, during extremely hot weather, you may need to water twice or more per week. It's worth noting that mature and well-established Yelloy foxtail lilies can withstand periods of drought quite well.
When is the best time for me to not fertilize my Yellow foxtail lily?
During the late fall and winter, your Yelloy foxtail lily goes into a dormant phase and stops producing new growth. So, you should avoid fertilizing it during this time. In spring and summer, if you choose to fertilize multiple times, start reducing the fertilization rate as summer comes because the growth rate of your Yelloy foxtail lily also slows down. In general, it is not recommended to fertilize your Yelloy foxtail lily when the weather is very hot or the soil is extremely dry, as this can stress the plant and cause it to die prematurely.
What are the symptoms of light deficiency in Yelloy foxtail lilies?
Yelloy foxtail lilies exhibit several symptoms when subjected to inadequate lighting, including smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, accelerated leaf drop, stunted or halted new growth, and lighter-colored or pale new leaves. These symptoms reflect the plant's struggle to adapt to insufficient light conditions, leading to limited growth and reduced vitality. Conversely, symptoms of excessive sunlight exposure include chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching, highlighting the importance of providing the right amount of sunlight for optimal health.
How much water does my Yelloy foxtail lily need? How often should I water my Yelloy foxtail lily?
To properly water your Yelloy foxtail lily, don't hold back on the amount of water you give it. Check if the top two to three inches of soil are dry, and if they are, give the plant a deep watering. Make sure to pour in enough water to completely saturate the soil and let any excess water flow out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If you don't see any water draining out, then you haven't watered enough. However, be careful not to let the water accumulate in the soil, as this can harm the plant. On the other hand, if you notice that water is not draining well, it might be due to poorly draining soil, which is bad for the plant's health. If the plant is outdoors, 1 inch of rain per week should be sufficient.
What kind of fertilizer does my Yelloy foxtail lily require?
Choosing the right fertilizer for a Yellow Foxtail Lily is actually quite simple. These plants do well with a general-purpose garden fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Look for a fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or something similar - it will be highly effective. Avoid fertilizers with excessive amounts of nitrogen when unsure. Granular fertilizers are the best option for Yellow Foxtail Lilies, as they are slow-release and easy to apply to the soil. Additionally, consider using organic soil amendments like compost to nourish your Yellow Foxtail Lily.
What are some solutions for managing sunlight issues with Yelloy foxtail lilies?
To address sunlight issues, for indoor plants, gradually transitioning them to sunnier spots until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is advisable, using south-facing windows for natural light or supplementing with artificial lights for at least 8 hours a day. For outdoor plants, moving them to optimal sunlight locations gradually over weeks is key to avoiding sunburn, focusing on adapting them to their ideal light conditions. Minimizing obstructions, such as pruning trees that shade your plants, or transplanting smaller plants to sunnier locations during their dormant periods, can significantly improve sunlight access. However, it's important to note that parts of the plant previously affected by poor light may not recover, but new growth should be healthy with adequate light adjustments.