Kniphofia Bees Lemon - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Bees' Lemon' is a new variety of tritoma that is particularly ornamental. This beautiful plant blooms for weeks in a tangy colour that stands out from afar in flower beds. From a thick tuft of linear and arched leaves emerge robust floral stems topped with almost fluorescent inflorescences, composed of flowers that range from apple-green to lemon-yellow in a superb gradient of colours. This magnificent perennial is highly appreciated by bees. It proves to be undemanding in terms of soil and water-needs. It is also hardy.

Kniphofia 'Bees' Lemon' belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It is a horticultural hybrid obtained by cross-breeding various species native to South and East Africa. It is a plant with fleshy rhizomes adapted to intermittently flooded soils in summer, but rather dry in winter. This tritoma forms a tuft 50cm (20in) high and 60cm (24in) wide, with a slightly fountain-like habit, formed by tough leaves folded like gutters. When in bloom, it will reach about 90cm (35in) in height. The summer flowering is long, occurring from July-August to October, rising well above the foliage. From the foliage emerge thick, cylindrical, and sturdy stems, which colour from brown at their tips. The stems are devoid of leaves. The honey-bearing and nectar-bearing inflorescence is a dense terminal cluster of tubular and pendulous flowers. The acid-green flower buds evolve into lemon-yellow flowers from the base to the top of the spike. The decorative foliage is evergreen, 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 'Bees' Lemon' with any garden flowers. Just like lady's mantle and some euphorbias, its fresh tones enhance all other shades. It goes particularly well with chocolate, caramel, orange, or red tones. For example, plant it with daylilies or echinaceas, small-flowered asters, or mulleins, and purple grasses like Pennisetum advena 'Rubrum' for colour and texture contrast. Tritomas complement lightly flowering perennials and structure flower beds just like grasses do.