Foxtail Lily Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra'
ABOUT
The plant Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra', more commonly referred to as the 'Cleopatra' Foxtail Lily, boasts a strikingly elegant appearance. Characterized by its vibrant orange flowers that possess an almost luminous quality, the bloom spikes of this perennial are densely packed with star-shaped blossoms, making an impressive display. The buds start off with a richer, deeper hue at the base and can then lighten to a more delicate orange as they ascend the floral spike. Its tall, slender flowering stalks rise gracefully above a base of strap-like, green foliage. The leaves form a tuft of linear, arch-shaped foliage at the plant's base, providing a lush, verdant backdrop for the soaring floral spikes. These soft, green straps contrast sharply with the bold shades of the blooms, creating a visually harmonious combination. The 'Cleopatra' variety is known for its dramatic, fiery coloration and is a standout in any garden setting, capturing the eye with its radiant spires of flowers that can look like a torch or beacon when in full bloom.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle
Common names
Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Desert Candle is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information on the toxicity of this specific cultivar, but Eremurus species in general are not typically listed among poisonous plants for humans. Therefore, there should be no significant symptoms of poisoning expected from ingesting parts of this plant. As with any non-food plant, ingestion should be avoided as it can potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Desert Candle is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that this specific cultivar, Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra', is poisonous to cats, dogs, or other animals. Since Eremurus species are not typically listed among poisonous plants for pets, it is unlikely that ingestion would lead to significant symptoms of poisoning. However, caution should still be exercised to prevent pets from chewing on plants, as non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset or an allergic response in animals.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Orange
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Central Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds striking vertical lines and vibrant orange colors to the landscape, enhancing visual interest.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra', commonly known as the Foxtail Lily, can be used as a natural dye source, with its flowers potentially producing shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
- The tall and impressive spires of the Foxtail Lily can be dried and included in floral arrangements, adding height and a touch of elegance to the display.
- With their strong vertical lines, Foxtail Lilies are used by some gardeners as living yardsticks to help plan and layout garden spaces with precise spacing for planting other species.
- Due to their height and sturdiness, Foxtail Lily stalks can be repurposed as natural trellises for climbing plants once the flowers have faded and the stalks have been dried out.
- The Foxtail Lily's long taproot can be studied for its drought-resistant properties and could be helpful in research on sustainable planting in arid climates.
- Artists and illustrators have been known to use the striking structure of the Foxtail Lily as a reference for botanical drawing and painting, honing their skills in capturing intricate details.
- When trimmed appropriately, the Foxtail Lily can be used in ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement, where its linear form contrasts with the more rounded shapes of other flowers.
- In photography, the dramatic height and bold color of the Foxtail Lily make it a popular subject for practicing depth of field and focusing techniques.
- Children's gardens may incorporate Foxtail Lilies to introduce youngsters to the concepts of growth from bulbs and the lifecycle of perennials in an engaging way due to their unique appearance.
- Creative gardeners might use the spent seed pods of the Foxtail Lily for crafting or as part of homemade garden ornaments, providing texture and interest.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Eremurus, commonly known as the Foxtail Lily, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Foxtail Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance: The Eremurus, commonly known as Foxtail Lily, often symbolizes endurance due to its ability to thrive and bloom in harsh conditions.
- Pride: With its tall, impressive spike of flowers, the Foxtail Lily represents pride, reflecting its stately and eye-catching presence in the garden.
- Aspiration: The upward stretch of the Foxtail Lily’s blooms can symbolize aspiration, as it reaches towards the sky.
WaterFoxtail lilies, such as Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra', prefer a thorough watering every week during their active growing season, especially if the weather is dry. They require less frequent watering once established, roughly every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the weather conditions. The soil should be allowed to dry out somewhat between waterings to prevent root rot. Provide about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant for each watering session to ensure deep soil penetration. It's crucial to avoid overwatering as these plants are drought-resistant and excessive moisture can harm them.
LightFoxtail lilies, including Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra', thrive best in full sun conditions. They should be placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Avoiding shaded areas will ensure the plant has the necessary energy to produce its characteristic tall spires of flowers.
TemperatureFoxtail lilies, like Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra', prefer temperate conditions and can generally tolerate temperatures ranging from 50°F to 90°F. They are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 8 and can survive winter temperature dips down to -15°F. The ideal temperature range for robust growth and flowering is between 60°F and 75°F.
PruningFoxtail lilies, including Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra', require minimal pruning which is generally limited to the removal of spent flower stalks after blooming. Pruning can be done once the flowering is over, usually in late summer, to encourage proper nutrient distribution for the next season's growth. Additionally, removing any damaged or diseased foliage as needed helps maintain plant health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Foxtail Lily 'Cleopatra' thrives in well-drained, sandy loam enriched with organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal. Amending soil with compost and a low-nitrogen fertilizer will provide the best growing conditions.
RepottingFoxtail Lily 'Cleopatra' rarely requires repotting as it's typically grown from tuberous roots planted directly in the garden. They should be left undisturbed to naturalize.
Humidity & MistingFoxtail Lily 'Cleopatra' prefers dry conditions and doesn't require high humidity. Average ambient outdoor humidity is suitable for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and well-draining soil for Foxtail Lily indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Foxtail Lily (Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra') begins with seed germination, which occurs in well-draining soil and under conditions of full sun and moderate temperatures. Once germinated, the plant develops a rosette of strap-like leaves during its initial growth, focusing on establishing a strong root system. Vegetative growth continues as the plant matures, and it eventually sends up a tall flower spike that can reach several feet in height, showcasing numerous star-shaped flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or pink. After blooming in late spring or early summer, the plant sets seed, and as the flowers fade, the foliage begins to die back. The plant enters a period of dormancy during the late summer and fall, where it conserves energy in its tuberous roots. In the following spring, the Foxtail Lily resumes growth, continuing its cycle if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating the Foxtail Lily (Eremurus × isabellinus 'Cleopatra') is through division of its root tubers, commonly done in the fall after the foliage has died back. To ensure the plant's health and vitality, it is essential to use a sharp, clean knife to gently separate the tubers, ensuring that each section has at least one growth point. Once divided, it's critical to plant the tubers promptly at a depth of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) and spaced about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) apart in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. Watering should be kept moderate to establish the young plants, avoiding excessive moisture that can lead to rot. This method allows for the natural increase of Foxtail Lily plants within the garden and shares its stunning floral display with generously sized, vibrant blooms.
