The plant genus Eremurus includes about 45 different species, which can be distinguished by their growth height and flower color. Despite its exotic appearance, the steppe candle is not necessarily a container plant, as under the right conditions it can easily be overwintered outdoors, even in cold regions.

The steppe candle is very hardy

Origin and vegetation cycle of the steppe candle

In nature, the distribution area of the genus Eremurus extends from Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan to China, Turkey and Ukraine. the natural locations of the steppe candle are often cold plateaus, subalpine areas and grassy steppes. This does not bother the perennial and herbaceous plant, as it survives the cold winter months thanks to the rhizomes with their characteristic "starfish shape" created as outlasting organs. The lanceolate leaves and the flower stalks, which are up to 2 meters high, grow out of it every year and die off after the flowering period.

Wintering in the garden

Even in areas with severe winter frosts, the steppe candle planted outdoors is usually hardy without special winter protection. At best, protective measures should be taken for specimens in smaller plant pots, as these contain less plant substrate as an insulating layer. It can be dangerous for the steppe candle in soil with winter waterlogging. However, you can prevent this risk of root rot by digging the planting hole a little deeper when planting and providing a drainage layer of gravel and sand.

What winter protection can do

A winter cover with mulch (€239.00) or compost can not only protect the steppe candle from the frosty temperatures, but also enrich the soil with nutrients for the next season. Dry leaves or spruce twigs are even better for this purpose for the following reasons:

  • provides less permanent moisture in the soil than mulch or compost
  • easier to remove in spring
  • protects the plants from excessive soil warming in spring

Steppe candles that sprout too early in sheltered locations sometimes suffer from the late frosts in April and May in spring. A cover delays the budding of the leaves and can thus prevent frost damage.

tips

So that the steppe candle can grow optimally at the new location before winter, the rhizomes should not be planted too late. Early autumn from the end of August to mid-September is ideal for this, so that you can admire the impressive flowers in the following year.

Category:

Herbs