Kniphofia caulescens (Red Hot Poker)

Sun to Part SunZone: 5b-7, at least 24" tall Origin: S. Africa

Web-Only! From moist peaty seeps up to 8000' in elevation at South Africa's only ski resort is where we saw this growing during our 2005 expedition. When we first saw the evergreen glaucous foliage and splendid architectural form (like a blue octopus after rigor mortis sets in), we realized this was indeed something special. Although I'd grow this species for the foliage only, the clumps are topped with 4' tall spikes of huge toilet brush-sized pokers in July/August. Each poker is bright orange at the top with a distinctive wide yellow band at the bottom of the flower. K. caulescens has proven to be amazingly easy to grow in typical garden conditions, so give it a try. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml)