Kniphofia: the most beautiful varieties

Kniphofia 'Red Rocket'

In flower all summer from June to the end of August, the Kniphofia ‘Red Rocket’ is a variety that stands out for its stunning red colour. This Red Hot Poker develops fine, tough, deciduous foliage reminiscent of grasses. It forms lovely, dense clumps that rise to 35cm. The flowering stems, melliferous and nectariferous, stand at 50cm: they bear torches of incandescent red that will brighten up any dull border.

Stout and robust, this Tritoma is quite hardy (down to about -10°C), but it requires well-drained soil as it does not tolerate excess moisture during winter. If the weather is too dry, some watering will be necessary in summer during flowering. A position in partial shade to benefit from morning sun is ideal; full sun can also suit it, but care should be taken to keep the base a little cool.

Kniphofia ‘Red Rocket’

Kniphofia 'Bees Lemon'

A colour variation ranging from apple green to lemon yellow for this Kniphofia ‘Bees Lemon’. It is a fairly large Red Hot Poker, as it displays its flower spikes up to 90cm in height. These are supported by sturdy stems, emerging from a clump 60cm wide, composed of arching, leathery, well-green and evergreen leaves.

Particularly ornamental and floriferous, this Tritoma brings brightness and dynamism to the flowerbeds where it is planted, from July to October. Its tall silhouette can be seen from afar and it serves to punctuate somewhat flat spaces, where its fresh colours can be combined with many shades. This variety, which is not very thirsty and nutrient-hungry, is hardy down to -15°C in well-drained soil and prefers full sun.

Kniphofia ‘Bees Lemon’

Kniphofia uvaria

Tall in stature (Height at ripeness of 1 m) and in colours, Kniphofia uvaria is an impressive hardy perennial that thrives easily and will naturalise by sowing if the location suits it. Hardy and low-maintenance regarding soil type, it prefers a position in full sun to showcase its exceptional flowering. For several weeks, from June to September, its tall stems bear a multitude of vibrant inflorescences, ranging from golden yellow to bright orange. Its linear, deciduous foliage, bright green, forms dense clumps about fifty centimetres wide. Perfect for an exotic border, a rockery lacking colour, or even a wildflower bed, this Red Hot Poker will charm you with its many attributes.

Kniphofia uvaria

Kniphofia 'Ice Queen'

A fresh Tritoma, to be paired with other varieties in warmer tones or with graphic compositions featuring grasses and agaves. The Kniphofia ‘Ice Queen’ boasts delicate masses of elegantly tapered and upright deciduous leaves, topped with stems bearing bell-shaped, pendulous flowers. They form the characteristic torches of Tritomas but in softer and more acidic tones than usual; transitioning from chartreuse green to cream white from July until the end of August. Enjoying the warmth of the sun, this fresh and bright Torch Lily is rustic down to -15°C in well-drained, light soil rich in organic matter.

Occasional watering in summer will prevent excessive drought that could harm its flowering. By adhering to these few cultivation conditions, you will see it thrive in your borders up to 1.10m in height and 40 cm in width.

Kniphofia ‘Ice Queen’

Kniphofia 'Minister Verschuur'

A beautiful Torch Lily, solid and suited to colder and wetter growing conditions than its counterparts. The Kniphofia ‘Minister Verschuur’ is indeed rustic down to -15°C, is not afraid of wet winters and also tolerates coastal exposures. Plant it in full sun to see its sulphur-yellow inflorescences flourish from June to late August, bringing vibrancy and a touch of exoticism to any space. Its clump of deciduous foliage is dense and rigid, and the plant happily reaches a height of 60cm and a width of 40cm at ripeness. For optimal growing conditions, prefer to plant it in well-drained soil and ensure it does not lack water during the summer months.

Kniphofia ‘Minister Verschuur’

Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle'

The Kniphofia ‘Mango Popsicle’ boasts a long flowering period (from May to September) in a lovely mango colour. Native to South Africa like most of its relatives, this Red Hot Poker develops a tough foliage that has a beautiful exotic effect, deciduous in this recent variety. Early, repeat flowering, and preferring full sun, it will happily find its place in stunning displays evoking distant lands, alongside Yuccas or Aloes.

It remains hardy as long as it is placed in well-drained, even sandy soil. Stout, this magnificent Kniphofia will reach 60cm in height with a spread of 30cm: do not hesitate to plant it in groups of 3 or 5, for a beautiful mass effect that highlights its warm and intense colour.

Kniphofia ‘Mango Popsicle’

Kniphofia 'Orange Vanilla Popsicle'

Draw attention to colourful massed foregrounds by focusing on the Kniphofia ‘Orange Vanilla Popsicle’. Compact and shorter than most other varieties, this cultivar forms an excellent low perennial, about 45cm in all directions. Its repeat flowering will begin in May and continue until September. Its countless downward-facing bell-shaped inflorescences offer lovely gradients from white to purple-red: perfect for enhancing your rustic or more graphic plant compositions.

Its mass of fine, tousled foliage is deciduous and a lovely bright green. It will thrive in full sun, in well-drained, loose soil, preferably loamy. Under good growing conditions without excess winter moisture, it will withstand temperatures below -15°C without any issues.

Kniphofia ‘Orange Vanilla Popsicle’