International Flower Bulb Centre
Family
Liliaceae
Botanical Name
Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra'
Plant Common Name
Foxtail Lily
General Description
The tall, upright flower scapes of this exceptional ornamental are Spanish orange. 'Cleopatra' was bred by the Dutch Breeder N.C. Ruiter and first registered in 1956. It is a cross between Eremurus olgae and E. stenophyllus. The parent species are native to Central Asia where they inhabit dry, rocky or sandy slopes in open, sunny areas, and garden grown specimens grow best under similar conditions. Sharply drained soil is particularly key.
A modest fountain of narrow, green to gray-green leaves is produced in spring, and the foxtail flower show begins in early summer. Each plant produces several tall, leafless stalks topped with a column of tightly packed, burnt orange flower buds that cover the upper third of the stalk. The buds open to show lots of small, orange, lily-like flowers with dark red ribs. These bloom in sequence from the bottom to the top and attract bees and other pollinators. Small, capsule fruits that turn from green to brown follow the flowers. By mid to late summer the foliage is usually dormant and no longer visible.
Full sun and highly porous, well-drained soil is necessary for good plant health. Sandy, somewhat infertile soils are recommended and especially important while plants are dormant. Plant the crown and roots between one and six inches (three to fifteen centimeters) deep, depending on the zone (higher in warmer zones and lower in colder). Handle the roots carefully and do not disturb them after planting. Broken or cracked roots are prone to rot, so do not overwater. Though rated hardy only to Zone 6, foxtail lilies may survive in Zone 5 with protection.
These are excellent perennials for planting in groups. Their tall, light colored flowers shine best against a darker backdrop of foliage. Plant them among other striking tall, early summer bloomers, like tall alliums, for an impressive show. These make glorious cutflowers for impressive table arrangements. Once foxtail lilies have finished blooming they offer little in the way of visual interest, so be sure to plant them among later flowering ornamentals.
Purchased plants are usually sold as dormant rhizomes with fleshy, slightly brittle, tuberous roots. These should be handled with care and planted immediately upon arrival.
