Kniphofia Ice Queen - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Ice Queen', also known as tritoma or red-hot poker, has a range of very soft and refreshing colours. Its long pendulous bell-shaped flowers, crowning its tall flower spikes, transition from chartreuse green to lemon-yellow, and then from cream-yellow to white. They bloom for a good part of summer, mainly from July to August, attracting many pollinators. This perennial has a slender silhouette and fine foliage that lighten and structure borders. It thrives in sunny, well-drained, rich soil.

The exotic appearance of Kniphofia probably comes from their African origin. Even though many hybrids have emerged, they have retained common characteristics. It is a rhizomatous perennial that forms an upright clump. Its long deciduous leaves are slender and leathery, with slightly sharp margins. They emerge from its base and develop in a fan shape, forming a beautiful cup with soft and trailing edges. It brings lightness to borders and comes alive in the wind. Long flower spikes rise and bear a somewhat comical crown at their top, consisting of numerous small, long, pendulous bell-shaped flowers with prominent stamens. Their flowering is progressive from bottom to top and varies in intensity. They gradually fade. They delight the insects that regularly visit them and complement summer bouquets with their vibrant colours.

Tritomas thrive in sunny locations. They require water in summer but little in winter. It is important to monitor their placement and substrate under certain climates. They need rich, well-drained soil that is not dried out. They can withstand temperatures below -10°C (14°F), but mulching will help them withstand frost.

'Ice Queen' reaches towards the sky and exceeds 1m (3ft) in height. Its height and sculptural foliage can be fully appreciated when planted in the centre of a rounded border. It will thrive when planted in groups. Complement the ensemble with ornamental grasses. You can also choose to integrate it with other summer plants in the same colour range to play with tonal harmony. Choose Alchemilla 'Hella Glashoff' or Echinacea 'Mozzarella', for example.