King's Spears Eremurus stenophyllus subsp. stenophyllus
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Eremurus bungei
- Phonetic Spelling
- er-EE-mur-us sten-oh-FIL-us sten-oh-FIL-us
- Description
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This plant grows from tuberous roots. It has average water needs and prefers neutral pH soil but tolerates slight alkalinity. Leaves are spiny so transplant with caution. It propagates by seed or division. They do not tolerate extreme heat well. The leaves will start to die back when the plant flowers, but do not remove the leaves as they are sending energy to the roots for next year. Plant in a bed with other plants that will look attractive as the leaves are dying back.
Full sun is the ideal location for growing the strong stems that are needed to support the flowers at the top of the stalks. Preferring soil that is loose and provides good drainage, avoid locations with heavy clay. A sandy loam is ideal.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease issues. Strong winds can damage these tall plants. Plant in a site that is somewhat protected from wind.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Eremurus
- Species:
- stenophyllus
- Family:
- Asphodelaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Works great as a border.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Central Asia
- Wildlife Value:
- Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Buffer
- Colorful
- Easy to Grow
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 0 ft. 8 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Arching
- Clumping
- Dense
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Medium
- Appendage:
- Spines
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12 inches-3 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Narrowly winged, 1/4" seeds.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Funnel
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 6 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Showy short-lived bright yellow flowers on tall stalks appear late spring to early summer. The spikes open from the bottom upwards.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Fleshy
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Rosulate
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Rosettes of narrow, strap-shaped basal leaves at the base of the plant.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Description:
- Stems are leafless.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Meadow
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Vertical Spaces
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Cutting Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Pollinators
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Rabbits
- Problems:
- Spines/Thorns
