Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra'
Common name: Foxtail lily, desert candle
Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra' is a cultivated interspecific hybrid derived from the crossing of Eremurus stenophyllus and Eremurus olgae. It is native to the dry grasslands and semi-arid deserts of western and central Asia.
Its tall, bottlebrush-like flower spikes are covered in hundreds of tiny, apricot-coloured, bell-shaped blossoms and add vertical lines and interest to the garden. Each individual flower on the spike has a narrow red stripe along the midrib. The line is said to be reminiscent of Cleopatra's eyeliner. By the way, the flowers gradually open in sequence from the bottom of the spike to the top. The flower spike can grow up to 2.5 metres (4-5 feet) high. E. x isabellinus 'Cleopatra' flowers are rich in nectar and pollen and are attractive to bees and beneficial pollinators. The flowers are followed by round seedpods the size of marbles.
E. x isabellinus 'Cleopatra' has rosettes of medium green, lance-shaped leaves which wither away as the flowering begins. The roots of foxtail lily are quite odd-looking. They are a crown encircled by long, fleshy roots which remind one of a starfish, an octopus, or a giant spider. This root system is fragile and doesn't like to be disturbed.
A sunny location with fertile soil, good drainage, and protection from the wind will provide the ideal growing conditions for this perennial.
Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra' can be found in several spots at VanDusen. Some of the photos were taken of the ones growing in Bed 9 in front of the rammed earth wall. Others were taken of the ones in Bed 68 of the Perennial Garden and Bed 54A near the Laburnum Walk.
Story and photos by Kumi Sutcliffe