Eremurus x isabellinus Cleopatra (Foxtail Lily)

A breathtaking beauty, Eremurus x isabellinus ‘Cleopatra’ (Foxtail Lily) is a tall perennial boasting glowing tangerine flower clusters rising high on imposing stalks, adding drama and spectacular vertical lines in the garden. Soaring from a rosette of strap-shaped green leaves from early to mid-summer, each graceful flower spike is richly covered with hundreds of tiny apricot blossoms which open from the bottom upwards for a long-lasting display.

A breathtaking beauty, Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra' (Foxtail Lily) is a tall perennial boasting glowing tangerine flower clusters rising high on imposing stalks, adding drama and spectacular vertical lines in the garden. Soaring from a rosette of strap-shaped green leaves from early to mid-summer, each graceful flower spike is richly covered with hundreds of tiny apricot blossoms which open from the bottom upwards for a long-lasting display. Since the foliage withers back during the flowering period, plant your Eremurus among ground covers, late-flowering perennials, or tall grasses that will hide the short-lived foliage and provide added attractiveness.

  • Grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) with a spread of 2-3 ft. (60-90 cm). This plant naturalizes well and comes back year after year.
  • Thrives in full sun, in rich and well-drained soils. Easy to grow, Foxtail Lilies are not fussy about soil conditions as long as there is excellent drainage. Good drought tolerance.
  • Virtually pest and disease-free, Foxtail Lilies attract the energy of butterflies and hummingbirds but are deer and critter-resistant.
  • Stunning in front of a dark background, at the back of the border or as cut flowers. Plant in groups of 5 minimum for best visual impact.
  • Plant in early fall (in mild climates) or in spring (cold climates) in a sheltered location to protect your Eremurus from strong winds. Although the tubers are winter-hardy, a mulch layer is highly recommended.
  • Plant your bulbs deep enough so that the top of the crown is only covered with 2 in. (5 cm) of soil. Allow space around each plant as it likes the sun to warm its tubers. Provide consistent moisture during the growing season and do not allow the soil to dry out. After flowering, you may reduce watering.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Heat Zones 5
– 8

Climate Zones 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Eremurus – Foxtail Lilies
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 4'
– 5'
(120cm
– 150cm)
Spread 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Depth 10"
(25cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage