Foxtail Lily vs Montbretia Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Foxtail Lily
Eremurus spp.
Foxtail Lilies are striking perennial plants known for their tall, dense flower spikes that can reach impressive heights. They emerge from a central rosette of basal leaves and produce a towering inflorescence covered in hundreds of small, star-shaped flowers. These plants are primarily outdoor specimens, thriving in sunny gardens. People grow them for their dramatic vertical presence and the vibrant colors they bring to the landscape. They are not naturally suited for indoor environments due to their high light requirements and dormancy needs.
Montbretia
Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora
Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora) is a cormous perennial plant known for its vibrant, arching sprays of orange, red, and yellow flowers. It typically grows to a height of 60-90 cm (2-3 feet). It is primarily an outdoor plant, valued for its summer blooms and ability to attract hummingbirds and butterflies. While it can be grown in containers, it's not ideally suited for indoor environments due to its high light requirements and potential for aggressive spread via corms.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Foxtail Lily | Montbretia |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering. |
| Watering | Once or twice a week during the growing season, less frequently during dormancy. | 2-3 times per week during the growing season, less frequently during dormancy. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 10-25°C | 15-25°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Fast, Aggressive Spreader Via Corms. |
| Max Height | Not applicable indoors; outdoors: 1-3 meters | 60-90 cm (2-3 feet) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, sandy loam soil with added compost. | Well-draining soil, such as a mix of loam, sand, and compost. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly during growing season. | 15 minutes weekly during growing season. |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Foxtail Lily
| Scientific Name | Eremurus spp. |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Native To | Central and Western Asia |
| Also Known As | Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle, King's Spear |
| Leaves | The leaves are long, strap-like, and basal, meaning they grow from the base of the plant. They are typically a bluish-green color and have a smooth texture. The leaves die back after flowering. |
| Flowers | Foxtail Lilies rarely, if ever, flower indoors. Outdoors, they produce tall, dense spikes of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of white, yellow, orange, pink, and red. The flowering period is typically in late spring or early summer. |
Montbretia
| Scientific Name | Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora |
|---|---|
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Native To | Hybrid origin (Crocosmia aurea × Crocosmia pottsii), South Africa |
| Also Known As | Montbretia, Coppertips, Falling Stars |
| Leaves | The leaves are sword-shaped, upright, and mid-green, growing from the base of the plant. They are typically 30-60 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. |
| Flowers | Flowers bloom in summer, producing vibrant orange, red, or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers arranged in arching sprays. Rarely flowers indoors. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Foxtail Lily
Montbretia
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Foxtail Lily
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Divide established clumps in late summer or early fall after flowering. Sow seeds in fall for germination in spring.
Montbretia
Methods: Division of corms, Seed
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Divide corms in spring or fall. Sow seeds in spring after a period of cold stratification.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Foxtail Lily
The Foxtail Lily stands out due to its towering flower spikes, which can reach several feet in height. These spikes are densely packed with hundreds of small flowers, creating a dramatic and eye-catching display. The plant's unique root structure, resembling an octopus, also distinguishes it from other bulbous plants.
- ✓ Adds dramatic vertical interest to the garden.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- ✓ Provides a unique and eye-catching focal point.
- ✓ Offers a sense of accomplishment for experienced gardeners.
- ✓ Creates a vibrant and colorful display in the landscape.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Montbretia
Montbretia's vibrant, arching flower sprays and ability to attract hummingbirds make it a standout in the garden. Its aggressive spreading habit, while a potential drawback, also allows it to quickly fill in garden spaces.
- ✓ Attracts pollinators
- ✓ Adds vibrant color to the garden
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance once established
- ✓ Provides long-lasting summer blooms
- ✓ Can be used in cut flower arrangements
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Foxtail Lily
Montbretia
🌞 Light Requirements
Foxtail Lily
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Montbretia
Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal flowering.
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
Foxtail Lily
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, especially during dormancy, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure excellent drainage.
Montbretia
Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering after flowering and during dormancy. Overwatering can lead to corm rot, while underwatering can cause stunted growth and reduced flowering.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Foxtail Lily
Temperature: 10-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Montbretia
Temperature: 15-25°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Foxtail Lily
Eremurus spp.Experienced gardeners seeking a dramatic and vertical element in their sunny garden.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a dramatic vertical accent in your garden.
- You have a sunny garden with well-draining soil.
- You want to attract pollinators to your garden.
- You appreciate unique and unusual plants.
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a rewarding challenge.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited sunlight in your garden.
- You are looking for an easy-to-grow indoor plant.
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You live in a very humid climate with poorly draining soil.
Montbretia
Crocosmia × crocosmiifloraGardeners looking for vibrant summer blooms and who want to attract pollinators outdoors.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to your garden.
- You love vibrant orange, red, and yellow flowers.
- You have a sunny garden spot that needs a splash of color.
- You are prepared to manage its aggressive spreading habit.
- You want a relatively low-maintenance perennial once established.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You don't have a sunny outdoor space.
- You don't want a plant that spreads aggressively.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Foxtail Lily has moderate growth, while Montbretia grows fast, aggressive spreader via corms..
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Foxtail Lily Care Tips
Foxtail Lilies are not suitable for indoor growing due to their high light requirements and dormancy needs. They require full sun, well-draining soil, and a period of winter dormancy. Indoor attempts will likely result in weak growth and failure to flower.
- Plant the crown with the roots spread out like an octopus.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Provide support for tall flower spikes to prevent them from bending or breaking.
- Protect from slugs and snails, especially when young.
- Allow foliage to die back naturally in the fall to replenish the bulb's energy reserves.
Montbretia Care Tips
Montbretia is primarily an outdoor plant that requires full sun and well-drained soil. It can be challenging to grow indoors due to its high light needs and aggressive spreading habit. Regular division of corms is necessary to control its spread. Toxicity to pets is a significant concern.
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent corm rot.
- Divide corms every 2-3 years to control spread and maintain vigor.
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
- Water regularly during the growing season.
- Fertilize in spring and after flowering.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Foxtail Lily
Montbretia
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Foxtail Lily
What are the light requirements for Foxtail Lily?
Foxtail Lilies require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce their impressive flower spikes. A south-facing location is ideal, ensuring they receive ample sunlight throughout the growing season. Insufficient sunlight can result in weak stems, reduced flowering, and overall poor plant health.
How do I care for Foxtail Lily?
Foxtail Lilies require well-drained soil and a sunny location to thrive. Plant the rhizomes (thickened roots) in the fall, burying them about 4-6 inches deep, with the crown facing upwards. Ensure the soil is amended with organic matter to improve drainage. Water thoroughly after planting and then sparingly until spring growth begins.
How do I propagate Foxtail Lily?
Foxtail Lilies are typically propagated by division of the rhizomes in the fall. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has at least one growth point. Replant the divisions in well-drained soil.
Montbretia
What are the light requirements for Montbretia?
Montbretia requires plenty of sunlight to produce its vibrant blooms. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent scorching. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, fewer flowers, and duller colors. When planting in containers, choose a location that receives ample sunlight. If growing indoors, place Montbretia near a sunny window, preferably a south-facing one. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Supplement with grow lights if natural light is insufficient, especially during winter months.
How do I care for Montbretia?
Montbretia thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal blooming. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, avoiding overwatering which can lead to root rot. Plant in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging. Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. In colder climates, lift the corms in the fall and store them in a cool, dry place over winter. Alternatively, provide a thick layer of mulch for winter protection. Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigor. Monitor for pests and diseases, and treat promptly if necessary. Regular care will ensure a vibrant display of Montbretia blooms year after year.
How do I propagate Montbretia?
Montbretia is easily propagated by division. In spring or fall, carefully dig up the clump and separate the corms. Ensure each division has healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil. Water thoroughly. Montbretia does not typically produce keiki. Stem cuttings are not a standard method for Montbretia propagation. Division is the most reliable method. Alternatively, you can collect and sow seeds, though this method can be slow and may not produce plants true to the parent.
Last updated: April 18, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.