Kniphofia ‘Little Elf’

Description

Kniphofia ‘Little Elf’

Kniphofia ‘Little Elf’ is a slender medium sized Red Hot Poker whose narrow flower spikes sport flowers that open yellow from green buds. For a warm spot not too dry in summer. 3ft

Red Hot Pokers

There is somewhat of a stigma surrounding the Red Hot Poker, probably deriving from the coarse nature of some of the larger species. The strong contrast of red and yellow in the flower is not to everyone’s taste as well. However there is a wealth of varieties available today in single colours and in varieties that shade. As such you could describe many cultivars as decidedly tasteful. There is much more variety of colour as well with creams, yellows, oranges and reds all in the mix. The lesson is, Don’t dismiss them – give them a try.

Being South African, Kniphofias prefer some moisture in the summer. Whilst they like it hot, they don’t appreciate a summer drought. Given a spot they like, they will grow and increase for very many years with little attention. They grow in a wide variety of soils. However, given the choice they would plump for a sandy soil with adequate organic matter to retain some moisture for the summer.

Most species are cold tolerant to about -15C Although, to be reliable at these lows, a deep mulch and a sheltered spot can be very beneficial. In America they are often lifted over winter to be stored indoors. However, most resent root disturbance and this is a method of last resort.

Naming

The genus Kniphofia was named n honor of the German physician and botanist Johann Hieronymus Kniphof by the botanist Conrad Moench and should hence be pronounced correctly as ‘k-nip-hofia’ with a short ‘o’ rather than the usual Anglicised ‘nif-oh-fia’ with a long ‘o’, ( but I don’t know anybody who does ! )

Links

Red Hot Pokers compared

Kniphofia – Botanical Style Photographs