Kniphofia Vanilla - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Vanilla', also known as tritoma, has a particularly soft colour. Its long pendulous bell-shaped flowers, crowning its tall flower spikes, are a delicious vanilla-yellow. They bloom for a good part of summer, mainly from July to August, attracting many pollinators. This perennial has a slender silhouette and very fine foliage, which lightens and structures flower beds. It enjoys the sun, and light and well-drained, but rich soils.

Kniphofia's exotic appearance 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 deciduous leaves are long, slender, and leathery. They bear slightly sharp margins. The leaves 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.

'Vanilla' is a medium-sized variety, measuring 1m (3ft) in height and about 40cm (16in) in width when fully grown. It easily fits into a grouping of all sizes. Its soft colour will go well with Coreopsis 'Moonbeam', Delphinium 'Pacific Summer Skies', and Gaura 'Whirling Butterflies', for example. Its lovely yellow and fuzzy foliage will harmonise perfectly in an area dedicated to grasses and wild herbs.

Tritomas 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 conditions.