It's not hard to see wy these are called 'Foxtail Lilies' - their huge long flower spikes are a dusky orange to red colour, and like a fluffy Fox's brush! 'Ruiter Hybriods' were one of the first series to be bred, and contain a mix of shades. They flower in yellow, coppers and reds, to pink and creamy white, and all shades in between. Grown for their amazingly statuesque, tall flower spikes borne in high summer they add a classic cottage garden feel and height to any mixed border garden. They also make stunning cut flowers in a vase, and will establish into slow-spreading clumps every year. Often perceived as tricky to grow, the secret is in planting well. Although they are roots, they need to be buried like bulbs, with the roots well spread out. Ensure they have plenty of winter drainage, but good sun and warmth in summer. Supplied as 3 bare roots ready to plant in autumn, growing to a height of 1.2 m (4 ft) and spread of 25 cm (10 in).
Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra' is popular with professional garden designers, adding height and colour to borders. This Foxtail Lily is similar in style to Red Hot Pokers, but bears wispy multi-flowered heads on stems a metre tall. Perfect for planting amid low-lying plants in a cottage garden or contemporary borders, Eremurus x isabellinus 'Cleopatra' will form a dense clump once established. Although they look exotic, Foxtail lilies originate from Central Asia, and are nicely hardy. Height: 1.2m (3.9'). Spread: 1m (39).