Kniphofia Alcazar - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Alcazar', also known as tritoma or red-hot poker, spares no effort to brighten up the garden! The long, fiery orange-red bell-shaped flowers of this exotic-looking perennial turn pale-yellow, attracting both the eye and pollinators. Its fine and airy foliage, with a slightly bronze tint, completes this lively ensemble by bringing movement and lightness to borders. Its flowers trigger a ballet of pollinators throughout summer. It enjoys sunlight, and light, rich, well-drained soils.

The exotic appearance of Kniphofia undoubtedly comes from their African origin. Although many hybrids have appeared, they have retained common characteristics. It is a rhizomatous perennial that forms an upright, even bristly, clump. Its long, slender, leathery deciduous leaves possess slightly sharp margins. They emerge from its base and develop in a fan shape, forming a beautiful cup with flexible and trailing edges. It brings lightness to flower beds and comes to life in the wind. The long flower spikes rise and bear a somewhat comical crown at their top, made up of many small, long, pendulous bells with prominent stamens. Their flowering is progressive from bottom to top and evolves in shades: they gradually fade. They are highly popular with insects and complement summer bouquets with their vibrant colours.

'Alcazar' is practically the only variety to have decorative foliage with bronze shades. This imposing perennial, reaching 1m (3ft) in height and 60cm (24in) in diameter, warms up the garden continuously from June to August. Essential in a border with fiery colours, it integrates perfectly among cannas, crocosmias, and dahlias. Its size allows it to mingle with the tallest plants and tower over the smaller ones. A few shimmering grasses will complete this beautiful ensemble. Its cut flowers last a long time in a vase.

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.