Kniphofia Traffic Lights - Red Hot Poker seeds

Torch Lily or Red Hot Poker is an excellent bedding plant, with long-lasting, fiery blooms from spring to late summer. 'Traffic Lights' is a compact selection that features dense, bicoloured spikes of tubular blooms that open bright red, fading to green as they age. They tower over clumps of glossy, arching foliage that remains attractive all season long. Loved by foraging insects, torch lilies are hardy and drought-resistant. Grow in full sun in well-drained soil.

Kniphofia uvaria or Tritoma, commonly known as torch lily or Red Hot Poker, is a rhizomatous perennial that belongs to the Asphodelaceae family. It is native to southern and eastern Africa. 'Traffic Lights' is a compact strain that forms erect clumps of long, thick and shiny bluish green leaves. In full bloom, it grows to 35-40 cm tall for a spread of about 30 cm. The flowering period is particularly long, from August to October. The torch-like inflorescences are carried on bare stems, high above the foliage. They are made up of densely arranged clusters of nodding, tubular flowers that start out scarlet red, gradually changing to orange then green as they age.

These exotic, slightly old-fashioned perennials are remarkably sturdy. They look fabulous in cottage gardens, naturalistic gardens and large rock gardens alongside magenta-coloured poppies, sage and the deep blue-flowering Anchusa azurea 'Loddon Royalist'. Torch lilies can also be planted on their own or along paths or driveways, combined with other exotic plants such as bamboo, yucca, canna lilies or lobelia.