The steppe candle (Eremurus) is also popularly known as Cleopatra's needle due to its striking flower shape. It is a perennial and hardy plant because it overwinters in the ground using rhizomes and the above-ground part of the plant grows new every year.
When is the best time to plant steppe candles?
The ideal planting time for steppe candles (Eremurus) varies depending on the shape: Potted plants can be planted from spring to autumn, while bare-root rhizomes should be planted in early autumn. A sunny, wind-protected location with permeable, nutrient-rich soil is crucial.
The optimal time for planting
Specimens purchased in pots (€24.00 on Amazon) from specialist retailers can, with a little caution and attentive care, usually be planted outdoors from spring to autumn without any major problems. If, on the other hand, the plant is purchased bare-root in rhizome form, early autumn should be chosen as the time for planting. Existing populations of the plant, which reproduces in clumps, can also be transplanted after the flowering period when the plant has already retreated into its survival organ. Autumn planting should not be done too late so that the plant can root well before winter and bloom vigorously the following year.
Important information about planting
Steppe candles prefer a sunny and wind-protected location with permeable and nutrient-rich soil. For optimal development, the following parameters should be taken into account:
- plant the rhizomes no deeper than 10 to 15 centimeters below the surface of the soil
- Dig the planting hole a little wider and fill it with a mixture of soil and sand
- Ensure long-term fertilization with added compost
Tip
When planting the “starfish-shaped” rhizomes of the various Eremurus species, you should proceed as gently as possible, as they are relatively brittle.
