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!

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.