Kniphofia citrina - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia citrina is a botanical species of red-hot poker which is particularly resistant. It is easy to grow in the sun in any well-drained but non-calcareous soil. It offers a long and abundant spring to summer flowering in shades of yellow with a touch of green and a hint of mandarin. Its dense spike inflorescences are both bright and easy to combine in the garden. Carried by sturdy stems, they dominate and animate a beautiful clump of gracefully arching leaves. The vivid green leaves remain attractive all year round. Hardy down to -12°C (10.4°F), water-efficient, heat resistant, and low maintenance, this yellow tritoma works wonders in borders, rockeries, or large borders.

Kniphofia citrina belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. This perennial plant with fleshy rhizomes is native to South Africa. It has a fairly compact habit and flowers with an unusual colour, in shades of green and yellow with a touch of orange at the top of the spike. This plant forms a spreading, fountain-like clump, made up of tough, gutter-shaped, pointed leaves. When in bloom, it reaches about 70cm (28in) in height, with the clump spreading over time to a minimum width of 60cm (24in). The flowering is generous and long, taking place from June to August, at the tips of stout, solid, leafless cylindrical stems. The honey-bearing and nectar-rich inflorescence is a dense terminal cluster of tubular and pendulous flowers, with colours ranging from lime-green to lemon-yellow, ending in cream. The flowers at the top of the spike often turn orange. The foliage of this variety is evergreen, decorative, and composed of leaves gathered in a large spreading bunch.

Their exotic appearance already charmed our grandmothers. Tritomas are surprising plants, yet very sturdy. They light up any garden with their colourful torches. Pair Kniphofia citrina with all the flowers in the garden. Just like lady's mantles and some euphorbias, its fresh tones enhance all other shades. Blue being complementary to yellow, you can pair this tritoma with baptisias, for example. It goes particularly well with chocolate, caramel, orange, or red tones. For example, plant it with colourful heucheras, magenta red mallow, or purple grasses such as Panicum 'Sangria' for a wonderful colour contrast. Tritomas go well with lightly flowering perennials and structure borders, just like grasses.