How to Prune Foxtail lily?

(Eremurus robustus)

Foxtail lily, also known as Pink foxtail lily, Desert candle

This tall perennial is notable for its towering spires of flowers and strap-like leaves. For foxtail lily, prune dead spikes after flowering to promote root growth and tidy the plant. Cut back foliage only after it yellows and dies down in the fall. Pruning in late summer to early fall helps direct energy to the bulb, enhancing next year's growth. Avoid over-pruning; healthy leaves are vital for nourishment. Pruning also prevents self-seeding and maintains a neat appearance.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Foxtail Lily?

Pruning foxtail lily encourages more dynamic flowering, stimulates vitality, and maintains a tidy silhouette. Strategic cuts enhance plant architecture and concentrate energy on bloom production.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Foxtail Lily?

Spring

Summer

Autumn

The best time for pruning or trimming foxtail lily is in late summer after the plant has finished blooming, and extending into fall. During late summer, the flowering has ceased, allowing gardeners to trim without impacting the bloom cycle. Pruning at this time helps to direct foxtail lily's energy away from sustaining spent flower stalks and towards the healthy growth of the root system. As foxtail lily goes dormant in the fall, light trimming can be done to remove dead or faded foliage and flower stalks. This helps to prevent diseases and pests that can be attracted to decaying plant material. Entering dormancy, the plant's growth slows down, making it less susceptible to damage or stress from pruning. Avoid pruning in spring as foxtail lily enters its active growth phase, and fresh cuts can make it vulnerable to infections.

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What Tools Do I Need to Prune Foxtail Lily?

Bypass Pruners

Ideal for making clean cuts on foxtail lily's spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves, minimizing damage to the plant's tissues and reducing the risk of disease.

Pruning Saw

Useful for cutting through thicker, tougher stalks of foxtail lily if necessary, ensuring efficiency and minimizing strain on the gardener.

Gardening Gloves

Protects hands from irritation and injury while pruning foxtail lily, providing a safer pruning experience.

Long-Handled Loppers

Provides extra reach and leverage to comfortably prune foxtail lily without having to bend over, which is beneficial given the height of the plant.

How to Prune Foxtail Lily

Clean Tools

Disinfect pruning tools before starting to ensure foxtail lily's health by eliminating potential pathogens.

Remove Diseased Leaves

Carefully remove any diseased leaves from foxtail lily by cutting them at the base to prevent the spread of disease.

Trim Withered Leaves

Trim off withered leaves from foxtail lily to improve aesthetics and divert nutrients to healthy growth. Use a clean, sharp tool to cut close to the base without damaging new growth.

Deadhead Flowers

Deadhead spent flower spikes of foxtail lily by cutting the stalk down to the base of the plant to encourage new growth and prevent self-sowing if not desired.

Dispose Trimmed Parts

Properly dispose of all removed parts by placing diseased material into a bin and composting healthy plant material.

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Common Pruning Mistakes with Foxtail Lily

Neglecting To Remove Spent Flower Stalks

Failing to remove the spent flower stalks from foxtail lily can lead to unsightly foliage and potentially drain energy from the plant that could be used for future growth.

Cutting Into Healthy Foliage

While pruning foxtail lily, a mistake is to cut into the green, healthy leaves, as these are essential for photosynthesis and the plant's energy production.

Excessive Pruning

Foxtail lily typically does not require a lot of pruning. Over-pruning can stress the plant, leading to stunted growth or reduced vigor.

Pruning New Shoots

Removing new shoots during pruning can significantly reduce the flowering potential of foxtail lily, as these are future stems that will bear flowers.

Ignoring Disease Control

Not sanitizing pruning tools or cutting too close to diseased areas can spread pathogens and exacerbate health problems for foxtail lily.

Common Pruning Tips for Foxtail Lily

Sanitation

Always use sterilized pruning tools when trimming foxtail lily to prevent the spread of disease and pests.

Spent Blooms

Once foxtail lily has finished blooming, cut back the spent flower stalks to the base to tidy the plant and redirect energy to the roots for next year's growth.

Dead Or Damaged Leaves

Prune away any dead or damaged foliage to maintain a healthy and attractive appearance as well as prevent potential disease issues.

Light Shaping

If necessary, foxtail lily can be lightly shaped by pruning. However, keep pruning to a minimum and focus only on what is essential for the health or appearance of the plant.

Disease Spotting

During pruning, keep an eye out for signs of disease or pest damage, and address these problems promptly to keep foxtail lily in good health.