Kniphofia pauciflora Limelight - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Limelight' is a new variety of red-hot poker with a compact habit that displays a distinctly acidic flowering. This curious and very green plant displays bright inflorescences in the shape of almost fluorescent torches in summer, composed of lime-green flowers that open to lemon-yellow at the top of the spike. It is not very tall, but is sturdy against the wind. Its flowering dominates a beautiful clump of gracefully arched leaves, with a striking green colour, that remains attractive throughout the year. This variety is easy to combine in the garden. It is water-efficient, undemanding in terms of soil, hardy, and resistant to heat.

Kniphofia 'Limelight' belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. This perennial is a hybrid obtained by cross-breeding various species native to South and East Africa, including the South African K. pauciflora. It is a plant with fleshy rhizomes. It has a particularly compact habit and flowers in an unusual colour range, in shades of green and yellow. This plant forms a spreading, fountain-like clump, with corrugated, leathery leaves. When in bloom, it will reach about 60cm (24in) in height and 45cm (18in) in width. The flowering occurs in summer, from July to September, rising above the foliage at the end of stout and sturdy, leafless cylindrical stems. The honey-bearing and nectar-rich inflorescence is a dense terminal cluster of tubular and pendulous flowers, with colours ranging from acidic-green to green-yellow, ending in lemon-yellow. The foliage 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. Combine Kniphofia 'Limelight' with all the flowers in the garden. Just like lady's mantle and certain euphorbias, its fresh tones enhance all the other shades. It pairs particularly well with chocolate, caramel, orange, or red tones. For example, plant it with colourful heucheras, magenta-red hollyhocks, or purple grasses like Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' for a wonderful contrast in colours and textures. Tritomas complement light-flowering perennials and provide structure to borders, just like grasses do.