Plants: Kniphofia

By On September 18, 2015 · 17 Comments

Knifophia. A robust native of South Africa usually with a red/orange flower mid to late summer (UK). Modern hybridising has brought us a wider range of colours from greens and white through yellows to deep oranges. I must admit that although I don’t mind them I rarely get to put them in a scheme, a lot of people just don’t like them.

Knophofia or red hot pokers, although in this case rich yellow pokers!

Knophofia or red hot pokers, although in this case rich yellow pokers!

Having seen this beauty at Wimpole Hall last week, strongly complementing textures and tones of the other plants, I can’t help but think I am going to be a bit more bullish about championing it in schemes.

RGA_3622

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  • Phoenicia

    I always enjoy looking at your photographs!

    Was the second photograph taken in a park?

    • Actually both were taken at Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire, a wonderful National Trust place. Right next to their HUGE vegetable gardens

  • Jacqueline Gum

    I think these are stunning! I am surprised that many people don’t like them? Show as you have in the beautiful photo above, they so compliment this garden.

    • Me too!
      Honestly the red ones can be a bit tough to place colourwise but these gorgeous golden ones look so good in the late summer light. That said, this is a plant that does not ‘die well’ very ugly, luckily the grasses will hide it.

  • Interesting photographs and colors.

  • The kniphofia really look beautiful in the second image. Can see how nicely they would blend with others flowers. But I’m afraid I’m a bit tongue tied trying to pronounce.

    • I’m with you n the pronunciation Ken, luckily I heard it before I saw it written down. The longer I do this job the better my Latin gets, my school Classics teacher would be thrilled!

  • Rosalind, I can see why people would have a hard time with the Kniphofia -you would need to find an exact placement for it and – as the photo above shows – then it shines.

  • These are delightful! I especially like the bottom photo, drawing the viewer in and displaying all kinds textures, colors and sizes.

  • Beth – http://EncoreWomen.com

    Placement is certainly important with these striking plants. They need to be carefully planned so that they will be appreciated.

  • These are certainly lovely Rosalind. Personally I love reds, purples, blues. I only recently have come to appreciate the beauty in yellow. Where do these Kniphofia grow?

    • Yellow is a challenge or many of us, although as the sun starts dropping in the skies for winter it illuminates many a dark spot wonderfully. The right yellow that is!
      These are at a National Trust Garden in Cambridgeshire, UK, Wimpole Hall

  • Based on the first picture, my reaction was the Kniphofia didn’t appeal to me, but then I scrolled down, and BAM! It looks great when placed with the right combo of plants. My flowerbeds are still a work in progress that way, but I’m getting ever closer the right combo.

  • William Rusho

    What a wonderful fall color that would be to have in a garden. Not sure if it could live where I am, but was nice to see. Thanks for sharing with us.

  • Rose M Griffith

    More lovely pictures. I am looking for late bloomers for our front flower garden. The back has Cosmos and Zinnia’s and does really well. But the front, aside from some bring Mums, is lacking. I wonder if this can be found around here.

    PS. I like your longer posts! 🙂

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