Kniphofia northiae - Giant Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia northiae is a very beautiful species of botanical tritoma, rarely used in gardens. This perennial has a very exotic appearance. It forms a beautiful rosette of glaucous and wide leaves reminiscent of agaves. In summer, it produces large bicoloured spikes of flowers which are pale-yellow at the base and orange at the top. It is a little more sensitive to cold and humidity than other species, and therefore needs a warm and well-exposed location, in very well-drained, dry, rocky soil. It is magnificent planted alone or standing out in a very sunny rockery.

Kniphofia northiae is a tall perennial native to South Africa, belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. This evergreen plant forms dense rosettes that are at least 50cm (20in) wide, composed of pale grey-green arching leaves with a tapered point, measuring up to 15cm (6in) wide at the base and 70cm (28in) long. It is one of the few kniphofias capable of forming a trunk, with older plants reaching a height of 90cm (35in). In spring, flower stalks appear and rise above the foliage in summer, bearing terminal ovoid inflorescences composed of many small tubular flowers. They open in reddish-orange-pink and then turn pale-yellow, maturing from the base of the spike to the top. Some gardeners have reported seeing this species rebloom in autumn.

Their exotic appearance already charmed our grandmothers. Tritomas are surprising plants, yet very sturdy. They light up any garden with their colourful torches. Kniphofia northiae thrives by the sea, like agapanthus, thrifts, or Euphorbia chariacas 'Wulfenii'. It can also be paired with magenta-red hollyhocks, medicinal salvia, purple toadflax, and light grasses such as Stipa tenuifolia. It stands out when planted alone on an embankment or in a rockery, as a raised bed, mixed with nandinas, yuccas, cannas, and lobelias to create an exotic atmosphere. Tritomas go well with perennials that have light flowering.