Foxtail lilies, known for their stunning and tall spikes of flowers, have become a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a unique and dramatic touch to their landscapes.
If you are interested in adding foxtail lilies to your garden, you may wonder when is the best time to plant them. Specifically, is spring a good time to plant foxtail lilies?
Introduction to Foxtail Lilies
Foxtail lilies, also known as Eremurus, belong to the Asphodelaceae family and are native to Central Asia, including parts of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. These plants are known for their tall flower spikes that can reach up to 6 feet in height.
The flowers themselves are often funnel-shaped and come in a variety of colors, including yellow, pink, orange, and white. They bloom in late spring to early summer, making them an excellent addition to any garden that is looking for summer color.
Foxtail lilies are typically grown for their dramatic vertical blooms, which stand out against other plants in the garden. Their unique appearance makes them a favorite in border plantings, perennial gardens, and even cut flower arrangements. However, like all plants, foxtail lilies have specific growing requirements that must be met to ensure their success.
Can You Plant Foxtail Lilies In Spring?
Foxtail lilies are generally planted in the fall for the best results, but it is also possible to plant them in the spring. However, planting foxtail lilies in spring does come with a few considerations. In this section, we will explore whether spring is a good time to plant foxtail lilies and the benefits and challenges associated with spring planting.
Why Fall is Often the Best Time for Planting Foxtail Lilies
While spring planting is possible, fall is often considered the ideal time to plant foxtail lilies. This is because fall offers the following advantages:
Root Development: When foxtail lilies are planted in the fall, they have more time to establish their roots before the colder months arrive. The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages strong root growth. In contrast, spring planting typically provides less time for root establishment before the growing season begins.
Less Stress for the Plant: Planting foxtail lilies in the fall gives them a better chance to settle into their new environment without the stress of the heat and high energy demands of the spring and summer growing season.
Earlier Blooming: Foxtail lilies that are planted in the fall have a better chance of blooming in their second growing season, rather than taking a longer time to establish when planted in spring.
While fall planting is generally preferred, spring planting is still possible, especially for gardeners who may have missed the fall planting window.
Spring Planting: Considerations for Success
If you plan to plant foxtail lilies in the spring, it is important to understand the factors that will affect the plant’s success. While spring planting is not ideal, following the right steps can still lead to healthy plants. Here are some factors to consider when planting foxtail lilies in the spring:
Timing: Timing is crucial when planting foxtail lilies in the spring. They should be planted as soon as the soil is workable and the threat of frost has passed. Foxtail lilies do not like to sit in cold, wet soil, so it is important to wait for the soil to warm up. Planting too early when the soil is still cold can delay root development and result in poor growth.
Planting Depth: One of the most important factors when planting foxtail lilies is the planting depth. The bulbs should be planted about 4-6 inches deep. If planted too shallow, the bulbs may not establish properly and could be damaged by temperature fluctuations or strong winds. On the other hand, if planted too deeply, the plant may struggle to push through the soil.
Rooting Time: Foxtail lilies require time to establish roots, and spring planting may not provide enough time for the roots to settle before the heat of summer arrives. Be prepared to be patient with spring-planted foxtail lilies, as it may take longer for them to flower compared to those planted in fall.
Soil Preparation: Foxtail lilies prefer well-draining soil, and it is important to ensure that the soil is properly prepared before planting. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches and amend it with organic matter to improve drainage. Foxtail lilies do not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is key to their success.
How to Plant Foxtail Lilies in Spring
If you decide to plant foxtail lilies in the spring, it’s important to follow the correct planting procedures to ensure their success. Here’s a step-by-step guide for planting foxtail lilies in spring:
1. Choose the Right Location
Foxtail lilies require full sun to thrive. Select a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. These plants are also quite tall, so they should be planted in a location where they won’t be overshadowed by smaller plants. Additionally, make sure the location has well-draining soil, as foxtail lilies are susceptible to rot if the soil stays too wet.
2. Prepare the Soil
Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it to a depth of at least 6 inches. Foxtail lilies prefer soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0). If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve drainage. This will help prevent water from collecting around the bulb and promote strong root growth.
3. Plant the Bulbs
Dig a hole for each foxtail lily bulb that is about 4-6 inches deep. Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed end facing up. The bulb should be planted at the correct depth to ensure it can grow properly. If the bulb is planted too shallow, it may be exposed to temperature fluctuations that can damage the plant. If it is planted too deep, the plant may struggle to emerge.
4. Space the Plants
Foxtail lilies need plenty of space to grow, so plant the bulbs at least 12-18 inches apart. This will allow the plant to grow tall and spread without being crowded. Foxtail lilies also need good air circulation to reduce the risk of disease, so avoid planting them too close to other plants.
5. Watering
After planting, water the bulbs thoroughly to settle the soil around them. During the growing season, foxtail lilies need regular watering, especially during dry periods. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Water deeply and infrequently, rather than shallow watering, to encourage deep root growth.
6. Mulching
Mulch around the base of the foxtail lilies to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Be sure not to pile the mulch directly against the stem of the plant, as this can lead to rot. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch will help keep the soil moist and provide the plant with the nutrients it needs.
7. Fertilizing
Foxtail lilies do not require a lot of fertilizer, but they will benefit from a light feeding in the spring. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as these can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
8. Support
As foxtail lilies grow tall, they may need support to keep their stems upright. Use plant supports or stakes to keep the flowers from falling over. Install the supports early in the growing season, before the plants become too tall, to avoid damaging the stems.
Caring for Foxtail Lilies After Planting
Once your foxtail lilies are planted and established, they require minimal care. However, there are a few important tasks to keep in mind to ensure they thrive:
Watering and Moisture
Foxtail lilies prefer evenly moist soil, but they do not like to sit in water. Water the plants deeply during dry periods, but avoid watering too frequently. In general, foxtail lilies are drought-tolerant once established and will only need supplemental watering in prolonged dry spells.
Pruning
After the foxtail lilies have finished blooming, you can cut back the flower stalks. This will help the plant conserve energy and focus on growing healthy roots for the next season. However, do not cut back the foliage too soon, as the leaves are important for photosynthesis. Allow the leaves to die back naturally before removing them in the fall.
Pest and Disease Control
Foxtail lilies are relatively pest-resistant, but they can be susceptible to fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Make sure your plants have adequate air circulation to help prevent these issues. If pests or diseases do appear, treat them with organic or chemical treatments as needed.
Conclusion
While planting foxtail lilies in the spring is not ideal, it can still be successful if done carefully. Fall is generally the best time to plant these stunning plants, as it gives them time to establish roots before the growing season begins. However, if you miss the fall planting window, spring planting is still a viable option. By following the correct planting and care guidelines, you can enjoy the beauty of foxtail lilies in your garden, even if you plant them in spring.
