Kniphofia Wrexham Buttercup - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Wrexham Buttercup', also known as tritoma or red-hot poker, has a range of very soft and refreshing colours. Its long pendulous bells, crowning its tall flower spikes, gradually change from orange to green, then to golden-yellow. They bloom from June to August, attracting many pollinators. This perennial has a slender silhouette and finely textured foliage, which lightens and structures flower beds. It enjoys sun, and light and well-drained but rich soils.

The exotic appearance of kniphofia undoubtedly comes from their African origin. Even though many hybrids have appeared, they have kept common characteristics. It is a rhizomatous perennial that forms an upright, even bristly, clump. Its long deciduous leaves are very slender and leathery, with slightly sharp margins. They arise from its base and fan out, forming a beautiful cup with flexible and trailing edges. It brings lightness to flower beds and comes alive in the wind. Long flower spikes rise and bear a rather comical cap at their tip, made up of numerous small, long and drooping bells with prominent stamens. Their flowering is progressive from bottom to top and varies in intensity: the flowers generally fade, but in 'Wrexham Buttercup' the colour intensifies, descending from green to golden-yellow. The bud flowers at the top of the spike display a very soft orange tinged with green. These flowers delight the insects that regularly visit them and complement summer bouquets with their vibrant colours.

Red-hot pokers thrive in sunny exposures but need water in summer. They do not require much watering in winter. Monitor their location and substrate under certain climates. They need rich soil that is well-drained but not too dried out. They can withstand temperatures below -10°C (14°F), but mulching will help them withstand freezing temperatures.

'Wrexham Buttercup' reaches for the sky and exceeds 1.2m (4ft) in height with a diameter of 60cm (24in). Its size is best highlighted in the centre of a rounded flower bed where it will flourish in groups. The sculptural effect of its foliage will be even more impressive in such a setting. Complement the ensemble with ornamental grasses to accentuate the style even further. You can also choose to integrate it with other summer plants in the same colour range, to play with tonal harmony: Alchemilla 'Hella Glashoff' or Echinacea 'Mozzarella'.