Eremurus 'Cleopatra'

Eremurus 'Cleopatra' is a cross between Eremurus stenophyllus and Eremurus olgae and was developed by the Dutch breeder N.C. Ruiter in 1956 using some of the original clones developed by Sir Michael Foster in the early years of the twentieth century. It has tall scapes to 1.5m topped with dramatic bright orange inflorescences with a darker vein. Like all Foxtail Lilies, Eremurus 'Cleopatra' requires excellent drainage and should be planted shallowly on a well-drained dome-shaped bed of grit, sand and shingle that in turn sits on top of a fertile nutrient-rich soil. The octopus-like legs of the crowns should be gently spread over and down the sandy gritty bed taking care not to damage them and the central part of the crown should be covered and surrounded in a similar sandy/gritty mix to ensure they don't rot. Covering the emerging buds with just 2-4cm is the right depth. In colder winters an extra layer of gravel is a better mulch than leaves or straw. Don't disturb the roots and let them discover the richer more-fertile substrate as they grow.

Foxtail Lilies are one of the true show-stopping delights of gardening and should be planted more widely. The extra care to plant them correctly is hardly an effort.