The parent plants come from high, stony mountainsides, so E.Cleopatra like all Eremurus likes well drained, sunny positions. These were raised in 1956. These are a yellow-orange with a red mid rib and stand 3 to 4 ft (90-120cm) high. They need full sun, protection from strong winds, and mulching against spring frosts as they come early in to growth. They make excellent cut flowers.
Noble perennial plants with tuberous roots shaped rather like a dead starfish. Although considered difficult we find that if the circumstances are right they really are much more accommodating than is first imagined. Treat them as solitary plants without shade over the soil in which they grow, especially in the summer when this needs to be sun warmed. The early forms in particular emerge early and may need protection against really sharp frosts, and they are palatable to slugs at this stage too. But most of the early references suggest they will only grow on light soil, and our experience is that this is not true, they positively revel in our heavy loam. Whilst they might appeal as a plant for the back of the border, this often becomes a shaded site in the summer and is not ideal in most cases.
Planting instructions
Plant in well drained soil about 6 inches deep making the hole larger than the spread of the root, the crown only a couple of inches below soil level. Plant no closer than about 15” (38cm) spacing. They prefer lighter soils but more important to provide space and light. They might need a mulch against extreme cold as they emerge early undisturbed and care should be taken against slugs.
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