Kniphofia Elvira - Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Elvira', also known as tritoma or red-hot poker, doesn't spare any effort to brighten up the garden! The warm and invigorating orange colour of its tall flowering spikes catches the eye. Its delicate and airy foliage brings movement and lightness to flower beds, and its bell-shaped flowers attract pollinators throughout summer. This perennial thrives in sunny locations, in light and well-drained, fertile soils.

The exotic appearance of Kniphofia 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 long, slender, leathery deciduous leaves possess slightly sharp margins. They 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, which gradually fade. They are highly popular with insects and complement summer bouquets with their vibrant colours.

'Elvira', named after hybridiser Paul Stringer's wife, is a perennial that blooms in July and August and warms up the garden with its fiery orange tones. It is essential in a flower bed with flamboyant colours and blends perfectly with cannas, crocosmias, and dahlias. Its size allows it to mingle with taller plants and tower over smaller ones. Some shimmering grasses will complete this striking ensemble.

Red-hot pokers 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 temperatures.