Kniphofia Percys Pride - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Percy's Pride' is a large variety of tritoma that exhibits elegant dense spikes of inflorescences in May-June. The spikes are composed of green flowers that turn pale-yellow before maturing into a cream tone. This robust perennial forms a generous clump of gramineous and rigid leaves, which are keeled and striped, reminiscent of miscanthus. It is attractive all year round. This elegant and reliable variety can bloom several times a year. It thrives in full sun, in well-drained but moist and fertile soil.

Kniphofia 'Percy's Pride' belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. This tall perennial is a hybrid obtained by cross-breeding various species native to South and East Africa. It is a plant with fleshy rhizomes. Similar to the 'Minister Verschuur' variety, it presents flowers of a paler yellow, as well as larger vegetation. This plant forms an upright clump, with tough gramineous leaves, reaching a height of 80 to 90cm (32 to 35in) and a width of 50cm (20in). The flowering period is in summer, taking place from May-June to July-August, rising well above the foliage on bare stems. The melliferous and nectariferous inflorescence is a dense terminal cluster of tubular and pendulous flowers, with a chartreuse colour evolving towards a very pale cool yellow, slightly nuanced with green, then becoming white-cream from the bottom to the top of the spike. The foliage is evergreen, composed of very long, thick but thin leaves, which are slightly sharp. They are 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. Combine Kniphofia 'Percy's Pride' with magenta red columbines, officinal sages, purple toadflaxes, and Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist', with deep blue flowers. Tritomas go well with perennials with light blooming. They can also be planted individually on a lawn, along a pathway, mixing different colours, or combined with dwarf bamboos, yuccas, cannas, and lobelias to create an exotic atmosphere.