Kniphofia Minister Verschuur - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Minister Verschuur', also known as tritoma or red-hot poker, is an excellent Dutch variety, much better suited to humid climates than 'Little Maid', whose roots always end up rotting. It forms a dense clump with very narrow, stiff foliage. The sturdy flower spikes bear beautiful chartreuse yellow flowers that turn sulphur yellow. This is a hardy perennial that should be planted in full sun, in well-drained soil.

Kniphofia 'Minister Verschuur' belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. This tall perennial is a hybrid obtained by cross-breeding various species native to South and East Africa. It has fleshy rhizomes and grows in an upright clump, with tough grass-like leaves that reach a height of 60cm (24in) and a width of 40cm (16in). The flowering period is in summer, from June to August, with the flowers rising well above the foliage on bare stems. The nectar-rich and honey-bearing inflorescence is a dense terminal cluster of tubular, pendulous flowers, with a chartreuse colour that evolves towards sulphur. It is almost uniform from top to bottom of the spike. The leaves are deciduous, composed of very long, very thin, slightly sharp leaves, grouped 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 'Minister Verschuur' with magenta-red columbines, common sage, purple toadflax, and the blue-flowered Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist'. Tritomas go well with lightly flowering perennials. They can also be planted individually, on a lawn, along a path mixing different colours, or combined with bamboos, yuccas, cannas, and lobelias to create an exotic atmosphere.