Majestic, statuesque spires of apricot stand well over 1m tall on Eremurus ‘Cleopatra’ in June and July.
Known as the Fox Tail Lily or Desert Candle, these regal eremurus Cleopatra stems make a bold statement in the garden - best placed at the back or centre of a large border where the handsome, glowing spikes add architecture, shape and colour.
Hundreds of tiny, star-shaped flowers open from the base of stems upwards, adored by bees and summer pollinators and lasting for many weeks. Eremurus make fabulous cut flowers, excellent for dramatic, large-scale floral displays.
Full sun and well-drained soil are essential for Fox Tail Lilies, which will multiply once settled and last for many years in the garden.
Grow aristocratic Eremurus in a sunny, well-drained site with light soil. Add a bed of sand to the planting hole if you garden on heavy soil. Plant the tuberous, spider-like roots 8-10 cm deep, spaced 30-60 cm apart in the earth. Place in groups of 3 or 5 for impact.
Provide consistent watering, ensuring the soil remains moderately moist particularly during dry spells of weather and whilst the roots settle in.
During winter, mulch the area around Foxtail lilies with leaf mould to enrich the soil and add protection against harsh weather.