Yellow Red-hot Poker

A long-flowering, more subtly coloured red-hot poker, Kniphofia citrina is an evergreen perennial with a weed-suppressing, clump-forming habit, providing architectural spires of flowers for the border. Arching, keeled, broadly linear, mid- to deep green leaves form a substantial clump. From late spring to summer and even into autumn, tall stems rise above the clump, bearing rounded, cylindrical heads with bright green buds, which open into tubular, cream to pale green flowers which mature to greenish-yellow and light orange. Like many South African plants, yellow red-hot poker likes wet summers and dry winters, the reverse of ours, so add plenty of water-retentive organic matter when planting, which will also improve drainage.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Light, very well-drained, humus-rich, acid to neutral soil
Position: Flowers best in full sun
Season of interest: Late spring to summer
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 2’6” (75cm) Spread: 2’ (60cm)