FROST PROTECTION 
Loss of plants may result from frost ‘n the spring. Growth starts as 
soon as the ground thaws, the crown pushing up as a large, pale green knob. 
As this grows higher, the leaves unfold and stand erect and close together, 
disclosing the tip of the flower stalk at their base. At first the bud is very 
tender, and the plant should be protected from frost. during this early 
growth. An entire crown may be destroyed if the frost is severe but, if 
the plant is not removed, the damaged part is often rebuilt and growth 
may reappear within a year or two. The flower stalk grows rapidly— 
sometimes 4 or 5 inches a day. By the time it rises above the tips of the 
leaves, protection from frost is no longer needed. There are many varia- 
tions of climate even within a small garden. In choosing the location to 
plant your EREMURI, do not select one which may become a cold air 
pocket on a frosty night. 
WATER and PLANT FOOD 
While the large leaves and huge flower stalk are growing, a completely 
new root system is also being developed. Ample plant food and moisture 
must be supplied during this vital period to form a new root system as 
large or larger than the old. If these requirements are withheld, smaller 
root systems will be produced each year, until finally the plant will become 
too small to produce a bloom, or at best only a small, insignificant stalk. 
During the growing season, our plants are given liquid feedings each week 
and are watered whenever natural moisture is insufficient. The result is 
that, within three years after they reach blooming size, most of our plants 
have developed into clumps producing from six to fourteen huge flower 
stalks. 
DORMANT PERIOD 
After the flowering period is over, however, the plants should be kept as 
dry as possible so they may have a rest during the summer. The leaves 
will soon turn brown and disappear. This is natural and does not. mean 
that the plants have died. Cut the stalks after the flowers have faded. 
Do not let them go to seed, as the production of seed takes strength from 
the plant. | 
DIVISION OF PLANTS 
If a plant is left undisturbed and is given the proper care, the number of 
rootlets should increase each year, surrounding the crown until enough 
root system has been developed for additional crowns. In this way the 
number of plants is increased. Some divide completely, producing separate 
root systems for each crown. Others produce two or more crowns surrounded 
by one root system. When a clump produces eight or more blooms, it 
should be taken up when dormant, and divided. If left in a crowded con- 
dition, the spikes will not attain their full height or beauty or the clump 
may stop blooming entirely. Sometimes the root systems in these clumps 
become so tangled that their separation seems to be impossible. If the 
clump is allowed to dry for a few days, the rootlets will not be so brittle 
and may be separated more easily. Care should be taken not to damage 
the rootlets, but the loss of one or two will not destroy the plant. The 
EREMURUS is not nearly. as delicate as many believe. 
