This group consists of 35 to 40 deciduous perennials whose rhizomatous roots resemble the shape of a starfish or an octopus. These hardy perennials are native to western and central Asia. These plants are commonly known as Foxtail Lilies, King's Spears, Desert Candles and Giant Asphodels. Foxtail Lilies produce tufts of slender, strap-like, bright green leaves. In late spring or early summer, compact spikes consisting of tiny snow white, pastel pink, copper, bright yellow or orange flowers grow 3 to 9 feet above the foliage. These bottlebrush-shaped flower spikes can last up to several weeks when cut. Eremurus stenophyllus produces 2- to 3-foot spikes of yellow or golden yellow flowers. Eremurus robustus can grow from 6 to 10 feet high and has deep pink flowers. Eremurus himalaicus from the Himalayas grows 4 to 8 feet high and has white flowers and medium green foliage.

Foxtail Lilies are hardy from zones 5 to 7. They can be grown in ordinary, acid to neutral, well-drained soil, but loamy soil that has peat, decayed manure and plenty of sand added is the best. They should be planted in early fall, as soon as they are purchased. They shouldn't be allowed to dry out. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate setting the crown on a mound of soil. The roots should be spread gently so that they are not crowded. The crowns should be placed 4 to 6 inches below the surface. They should be planted in a sunny, warm, sheltered area to protect against strong winds; they rarely need staking. Over the winter, protect the crowns with a mulch of dry straw. In the spring, they usually begin to grow before the frosts are gone and are damaged. To prevent this, cover the shoots as they grow with straw, coal ashes or sand, or by turning boxes over them at night until the weather is safe. When the foliage dies down in the summer, mark the plant's position to avoid damaging them while they are dormant.

Increase Foxtail Lilies by lifting and dividing old plants when their crowns grow up and out of the soil. Take care when lifting and dividing the roots because they are very brittle. Seeds may also be sown in the fall.

Eremurus robustus;
Eremurus himalaicus;
Eremurus Elwesii;
Eremurus Bungei;
Eremurus Olgae;
Eremurus Tubergenii;
Eremurus Warei;
Eremurus Shelfordii;
Eremurus stenophyllus.