The Foxtail Lily, also known by its botanical name *Eremurus*, is a total showstopper that naturally spreads on its own through self-seeding and rhizome growth. If you’re looking to expand your collection, you can actually use these same methods to propagate them yourself.
How Foxtail Lilies Spread Naturally
If you give them the right spot in your garden, Foxtail Lilies are pretty independent. They’ll usually take care of their own reproduction via seeds and new rhizomes. Just a heads-up before you start planting: if left to their own devices, these beauties can get a bit wild and take over a garden bed before you know it!
Ways to Propagate Your Eremurus
If you want to be a bit more “hands-on” and control where your new flowers pop up, you’ve got three main options:
- Sowing seeds
- Dividing the rhizomes
- Using offsets (pups)
Growing Eremurus from Seed
While you can definitely grow Foxtail Lilies from seed, I’ll be honest with you—it takes a lot of patience. You’ll need to harvest the seeds right after the blooming period ends but before they drop on their own. Since they are “cold germinators,” they need a chilling period to wake up. This means you should sow them in your garden or a starter pot right before winter hits.
Keep in mind that these seeds take their sweet time; some might not sprout for two or even three years. Plus, it can take up to seven years before a seed-grown plant actually produces its first flower. It’s a long game!
Dividing the Rhizomes
If you’re looking for faster results, dividing the rhizomes is the way to go. As the plant matures, it naturally grows “daughter” rhizomes around the main root cluster. To divide them, carefully dig up the entire root system and use a sharp spade or knife to separate them.
Try to be as gentle as possible to avoid damaging the main crown or the new shoots. A good rule of thumb is to only divide a clump into two or three pieces; if you go smaller than that, you might skip a blooming season. Once divided, go ahead and plant each piece in its new home or a large pot.
Propagating via Offsets
Another easy alternative is using offsets. Every now and then, the Foxtail Lily will produce little “pups” or offsets on its own. You can simply dig these up, detach them from the mother plant, and move them to a new sunny spot in your garden. It’s a great way to get a head start on a new bloom!
