How hardy is it?

Origin and vegetation cycle of the steppe candle

In the wild, the range of the genus Eremurus extends from Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan to China, Turkey and Ukraine. at the natural sites of the Steppe candle it is often cold plateaus, sub-alpine areas and grassy steppes. The perennial and herbaceous plant does not mind this, as it does the cold winter months by means of the rhizomes with their characteristic "starfish shape" created as a persistence organ survive. The lanceolate leaves and the up to 2 meter high flower stalks grow out of it every year and die off after the flowering period.

Wintering in the garden

Even in areas with strong winter frosts, the steppe candle planted in the open is usually without special winter protection hardy. Protective measures are only to 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 soils with winter waterlogging. You can prevent this risk of root rot by opening the planting hole near the

planting Dig a little deeper and provide a drainage layer of gravel and sand.

What winter protection can do

A winter cover with Mulch(€ 13.95 at Amazon *) or compost can not only protect the steppe candle from the frosty temperatures, but also the soil for the next season enrich with nutrients. Dry leaves or spruce twigs are even better suited for this purpose for the following reasons:

• ensures less permanent moisture in the soil than mulch or compost
• can be removed more easily in spring
• protects the plants from excessive warming of the soil in spring

Steppe candles that shoot too early in sheltered locations sometimes suffer from the late frosts in April and May in spring. A cover delays the leaves from sprouting and can therefore prevent frost damage.