Kniphofia (Torch Lily or Red Hot Poker)
at Digging Dog
Including Kniphofia uvaria, Kniphofia linearifolia, & Kniphofia caulescens
Kniphofia
Torch Lily or Red Hot Poker
“Red Hot Poker” is the local nickname for these bold, handsome natives of Madagascar
and tropical South Africa. Brought to England in 1707, they were kept as greenhouse treasures until 1848, when someone had the bright idea of planting them outdoors, and their abiding hardiness was discovered.
The old-fashioned orange and yellow form has survived years of neglect in abandoned gardens here on the coast; the new hybrids and species we offer, in versatile creamy yellows, chartreuses, soft melons and bolder colors, are more suitable to modern schemes, but are just as hardy and reliable. The thick, almost succulent leaf blades are evergreen, and of interest even when the cylindrical flower spikes are absent. Heat and drought tolerant. Kniphofia ‘Alcazar’ 
Alcazar is a Spanish translation of the Arabic word for castle, and this luscious Kniphofia deserves royal treatment for its splendid show. From a nest of lancelike leaves, chartreuse-tinted buds elongate on thick, bronzy stems to form majestic tapered spires of a dark rosy terracotta, which age to a rich salmon-orange. Pair with Cardoon for a lively tango of color and form.
Blooms July–September. Size: 3-1/2' high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 7. AVAILABLE APRIL 2008 Kniphofia Alcazar (P-0806)
Each $10.00
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Kniphofia ‘Apricot Souffle’
Spangled with luscious mouthwatering shades of orange, this midsized Kniphofia is easy to squeeze in and sure to attract a summertime following. On each flower tip, both the closed buds and newly opened tubes are amber-colored, while the plump middle flaunts apricot tones above a creamy golden base. Defined by large pendulous florets, the delectable tapered blooms crown olive-green stems and a roost of straplike gray-green leaves.
Blooms July–August. Size: 3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Apricot Souffle (P-1527)
Each $11.00
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Kniphofia ‘Bee’s Sunset’
The abundant and long lasting yellow-orange flower spikes of vigorous ‘Bee’s Sunset’ will cast a warm glow on neighbors such as Buddleia crispa, Lavandula ‘Super’ and Geranium ‘Purple Pillow’.
Blooms June–August. Size: 4' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 5. Kniphofia Bee’s Sunset (p-0541)
Each $9.00
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Kniphofia ‘Bleached Blonde’
Not all bleached blondes turn heads like this one does. Blooms of sandy blonde topped with auburn adorn this softly colored beauty. Anchored by vigorous medium green, bladelike foliage, slim 5 in. long flowers have a repeat bloom, imparting greenish yellow shades at summer’s end.
First introduced by Olympic Coast Gardens, ‘Bleached Blonde’ can be matched with
Phygelius ‘Pink Elf’.
Blooms June & again in August. Size: 3'–4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Bleached Blonde (P-1117)
Each $10.00
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Kniphofia ‘Border Ballet’
Like many of the best ballet dancers, this cultivar is tall, elegant and full of stamina. We found this selection at Western Hills and have propagated it by divisions to maintain the soft dusty coral color of the flowers, which continue blooming throughout the summer. For a contrast of color and texture, we
often plant this near Thalictrum rochebrunianum.
Blooms June–August. Size: 4-1/2' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Border Ballet (P-0386)
Each $9.00
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Kniphofia ‘Bressingham Sunbeam’
Graceful copper-tinged stems emerge from a refined, narrow-bladed, green-gray base. Awash in yellow with amber and bronze accents, the slender sunny blooms set its diminutive silhouette aglow.
Blooms July–August. Size: 2' high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Bressingham Sunbeam (P-0707)
Each $8.00
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Kniphofia ‘Coral’
This special, robust form comes to us from the U.C. Davis Arboretum. Atop tall stalks, basally adorned with coarse swordlike leaves, the spiky flowers are a pinkish melon. Create coral reefs in your own backyard by planting it in drifts with Phygelius ‘Moonraker’ and bronze-hued
Stipa arundinacea.
Blooms May–July. Size: 4' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 5. Kniphofia Coral (P-0096)
Each $9.00
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Kniphofia ‘Gladness’
When the bronzed apricot buds finally unfurl into lucent golden orange torches that seem to glow from within, we promise you'll be glad. Numerous, cinnamon-toned sturdy stalks are unleashed from a midsized roost of creased grayish green leaves margined with tiny teeth. Rotund and broad in the middle, the substantial flowers convey a free wheeling radiance.
Blooms July–August Size: 2'–3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Gladness (p-1457)
Each $9.00
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Kniphofia ‘Glow’
Once this Kniphofia blooms, you’ll see why it was dubbed ‘Glow’. Solidly colored coral torches honed with dark rosy overtones shine above a handsome, not–so-tall, foliar foundation distinguished by composed blue-green hues and tiny teeth along each leaf margin. Sized just right for a front row location in the border or a smaller garden. ‘Glow’ imparts a flashy propensity, especially when Geranium harveyi and Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ are planted nearby.
Blooms July-August. Size: 2'–3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 8. Kniphofia Glow (P-1272)
Each $10.00
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Kniphofia ‘Goldfinch’
Conjuring images of cheerful yellow songbirds, this spirited Kniphofia is aptly named. Rising from narrow and glaucous medium green blades, the sturdy, yet graceful stems support good-sized cylindrical blooms. Each inflorescence consists of delicate florets—long, slender and pendulous—arranged in an airy fashion. Bring a sunny lift to your summer border and site ‘Goldfinch’ by Liatris ‘Kobold’ and Salvia ‘Sensation Rose.
Blooms June–early August. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia Goldfinch (P-0947)
Each $9.00
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Kniphofia ‘Green Jade’
Still esteemed by Beth Chatto who introduced it in 1968, this captivating Kniphofia first originated as a seedling selection in Sir Cedric Morris’s Suffolk garden. Bold long cylinders in icy lime-green shades convey a distinguished sense of composure and are without a doubt the greenest torch lily blooms we offer.
Arising from green buds above broad verdurous straps and stalwart stems, the densely packed, irresistibly colored florets are crowned with a dusky orange tuft and eventually lighten to a creamy chartreuse from the bottom up.
Blooms July–September. Size: 4'–4-1/2' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Green Jade (p-1319)
Each $10.00
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Kniphofia ‘Ice Queen’
Selected by Alan Bloom, this upright species is remarkably robust. The deep green foliage is broad and straplike, the flower stalks are thick and sturdy, and the vibrant chartreuse buds open into 6 in. lime-yellow flowers, which fade to light yellow. We plant ‘Ice Queen’ beside Anemone ‘Alice’ for an unusual but delightful combination with the late blooming pink flowers.
Blooms June–August. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Ice Queen (p-0409)
Each $11.00
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Kniphofia ‘Jan Brennan’
Flaunting one of the brightest, most rotund torches we have ever seen, this jaunty Kniphofia was discovered by Gretchen Hahn, a former staff member, in the backyard of a local north coast resident. Unknown to us and most likely a hybrid of Kniphofia uvaria ‘Nobilis’ which has naturalized in our area, it bears the owner’s namesake. The large radiant florets graduate in color, beginning on top with a salmon hue that shades to tangerine and then transmutes to antique gold supported by a lemon-yellow base.
Bolstered on bronzed olive-tinted stems above brawny medium green leaves, the exuberant display can be staged alongside Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ for unbridled oohs and awhs!
Blooms August–September. Size: 3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia Jan Brennan (P-1341)
Each $10.50
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Kniphofia ‘Lye End’
This toasty-hued, perky cultivar first caught our eye at Cotswald Garden Flowers, owned by Bob Brown, England’s renown Kniphofia enthusiast. It has since become one of our favorites for its long and slender, loosely set racemes. Tipped with burnt coral tones, the blooms fade to melon in the middle and finally brighten to a creamy yellowish sherbet base, which features larger, more pendant florets. The colorful splendor bursts forth from earthy red and greenish-tinged buds elevated on supple, slightly bronzed stems above green foliage.
Blooms July–August. Size: 3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 7. AVAILABLE FALL 2008 Kniphofia Lye End (P-1273)
Each $10.00
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Kniphofia ‘Nancy’s Red’
Looking for a midsized plant to accentuate a hot-colored border or ignite a cooler one? ‘Nancy’s Red’ may be your girl. Delicate olive-green stems lift brick-red buds and waxed, dusky coral-red florets, which become more pendulous with age, flaring out to reveal creamy yellow tips. Shaded in such rich colors, the slender, somewhat open cone-shaped blooms achieve an ardent contrast against low growing, narrow green leaves.
Clearly in a class of her own—undemanding, flamboyant yet refined and well groomed—Nancy gives you good reason to entice her into your garden bed and keep her where she’s easily seen.
Blooms July–August. Size: 2' high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Nancy’s Red (P-1385)
Each $9.00
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Kniphofia ‘Percy’s Pride’
The tightly clustered light yellow to lime flowers of this Torch Lily are just about the largest of all the species we offer. They bloom several times each year, and contrast strikingly with the inch-wide straplike leaves. For a range of yellows, we plant ‘Percy’s Pride’ with Stachys ‘Primrose Heron’.
Blooms May–June. Size: 3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Percy’s Pride (p-0205)
Each $11.00
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Kniphofia ‘Safranvogel’
Uniquely infused with a strawberry hue, the slender, creamy tapers of bloom are anchored by thin
grassy green blades. ‘Safranvogel’s distinctive coloring and small stance begs for an up-front
position in the border.
Blooms July–August. Size: 2' high x 15" wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia Safranvogel (p-0946)
Each $10.00
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Kniphofia ‘Safranvogel’ x ‘Maid of Orleans’
We have British Kniphofia aficionado, Bob Brown of Cotswald Garden Flowers to thank for this ethereal beauty. Staged on lithe bronzed stems, the distinctive flowers feature widely spaced, rich reddish coral florets, each narrow, pendulous tube tinged yellow at the base and curved up at the tips.
The aging long, slender blooms lighten and become even more open, attaining an unmatched delicacy and lovely subtle coloration that’s reminiscent of its ‘Safranvogel’ heritage. Quiet, sublime and almost other-worldly, this unusual cross is shown to best effect when planted in multiples against a dark background.
Blooms July–August. Size: 2' high x 15" wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia Safranvogel’ x ‘Maid of Orleans (P-1386)
Each $10.00
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Kniphofia ‘Shining Sceptre’
Noble stands of copper-tinted golden scepters command our attention in the midsummer border. Supported by soothing green blades and lengthy bronze-hued stems, these thickset, good-sized blooms cast lambent accents upon the cool, blue-violet blooms of Aconitum ‘Arendsii’ and Geranium renardii ‘Phillipe Vapelle’.
Blooms July–August. Size: 4' high x 18"–2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Shining Sceptre (p-1187)
Each $8.50
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Kniphofia ‘Vanilla’
Slender blooms in a soft shade of pale yellow are staged well above finely textured foliage. This courtly Kniphofia echoes ornamental grasses such as Panicum and makes a friendly color-mate for Eupatoriums and Geraniums.
Blooms July–September. Size: 3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6.
Kniphofia Vanilla (P-0240)
Each $8.50
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Kniphofia ‘Wayside Flame’
Like a candle flame, this flower is both bright and yet soft orange. To give our summer garden warm accents, we plant robust ‘Wayside Flame’ near Lavandula ‘Silver Frost’.
Blooms June–August. Size: 4-1/2' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Kniphofia Wayside Flame (p-0410)
Each $8.50
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Kniphofia ‘Yellow Cheer’
Bolstered by hefty, tall and straight asparagus-hued stalks, dense yellowish orange buds, infused with chartreuse, remind us of miniature Christmas trees. Radiant yellows, pumpkin colors and lime tinges meld an unparalleled luminosity as the gorgeous torches stand sentinel, their plump rounded bases tapering to blunt tips well above a bright green, upright clump of strapping, deeply furrowed lax leaves.
A robust specimen for the fall garden, ‘Yellow Cheer’s late season effervescence steals the show, especially when staged against a dark green foil. One per customer.
Blooms late August to mid-October. Size: 5' high x 3' wide; hardy to zone 8. Kniphofia Yellow Cheer (p-1458)
Each $11.00
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Kniphofia caulescens
The narrow leaves of this seedling selection are in sharp contrast to the large straplike foliage typical of the species. Glaucous blue blades make a dramatic base for the subdued rainbow of earthy colors: thick, coppery flower stems, clay-colored buds and rich terracotta blooms, which eventually pale to a light greenish yellow. For more drama, plant by Caryopteris incana and Achillea ‘Inca Gold’.
Blooms July–August. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6.
Kniphofia caulescens (p-0757)
Each $11.00
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Kniphofia citrina (Lime Select)
One of our own seedling selections, this stunning form of Kniphofia citrina will surely brighten your garden with a refreshing splash of citrus color. Above clumps of glaucous leaves, the vivid lime green buds open into dense chartreuse flowers that later fade to light yellow.
Blooms June–July. Size: 2-1/2' high x 18" wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia citrina (Lime Select) (p-0651)
Each $9.00
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Kniphofia galpinii ‘Orange Flame’
Lithely cresting slender stems, these dainty blooms smoulder with fervent salmons and saturated oranges. A foundation of finely textured grasslike foliage plays host to the loosely arranged blooms, which are quieted by dusky hued unopened buds and smoky purple-tipped individual florets. Presenting a vivacious yet sophisticated demeanor, ‘Orange Flame’ is simply irresistible in a container.
Blooms July–August. Size: 2-1/2' high x 12" wide; hardy to zone 8. Kniphofia galpinii Orange Flame (p-1216)
Each $8.50
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Kniphofia linearifolia
Large, pumpkin-colored flower buds seem to glow atop the thick purplish stems of this robust species. Visually supported by broad straplike foliage, the enormous, nearly round orange flowers eventually fade to yellow at the base. Combine with Aster ‘Lady in Black’ and Salvia ‘Limelight’ for a stunning display of purple, chartreuse and orange.
Blooms August–September. Size: 6' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia linearifolia (p-0653)
Each $10.00
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Kniphofia pauciflora
Originally inhabiting the marshy grasslands of Kwazula-Natal, South Africa, this Ariel-like Kniphofia is sadly extinct in its wild haunts, but will gladly impart a lighthearted smile to your landscape.
Slim grassy blades folded along the midribs are the understory for airy and slender, buttercup yellow pokers. Tubular, flared and widely spaced, the dainty pendant florets open from coral buds for several months, then rebloom later in the season.
Blooms June–July. Size: 18" high x 15" wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia pauciflora (p-1456)
Each $8.50
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Kniphofia sp. (Patricia Marrow)
When we came across this extraordinary Kniphofia in Patricia Marrow’s garden in Somerset, England, it was mysteriously unlabeled. Stout, bronzy flowering stems with lime-colored buds rise above rosettes of narrow grayish green foliage. Lively and large, the greenish yellow blooms are tipped with a dusky melon color, and eventually fade to creamy white from the base up.
Blend with Nepeta ‘Pool Bank’, Cistus ‘Anne Palmer’ and Euphorbia ‘Great Dixter’ for a vibrant spectrum of color.
Blooms July–August. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia sp. (Patricia Marrow) (p-0759)
Each $8.50
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Kniphofia uvaria ‘Malibu Yellow’
Shouldered by thick green stalks, the richly colored, bright yellow blooms combine with this Kniphofia’s robust stature to bestow a grandiose presence in the border. Composed of large, pendulous, evenly spaced florets that open from grassy green buds, the ample-sized torches radiate unforgettable, look-at-me, sunlit chroma, while topping sprightly green, strapping blades.
Blooms May–July. Size: 3' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia uvaria Malibu Yellow (p-1292)
Each $10.00
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Kniphofia uvaria ‘Peaches and Cream’
For mouthwatering color and overall hardiness, this Kniphofia is hard to beat. Rich cream below and ripe peach on top, the flower spikes stand above basal tufts of medium green leaves and provide a strong vertical accent in any garden.
Blooms May–July. Size: 4' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 5. AVAILABLE FALL 2008 Kniphofia uvaria Peaches and Cream (P-0099)
Each $9.00
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Kniphofia x ‘Naudes Nek’
We found this upbeat, not-yet-identified Kniphofia at Ernie and Marietta O’Byrne’s Northwest Garden Nursery in Eugene, Oregon. Originating from seed they had collected in Naudes Nek, a rather cold region of South Africa’s Drakensberg Mountains, it conveys a lighthearted charm with narrow, bright green channelled foliage and an intriguing floral display. Round-tipped, squat buds exhibit a glowing potpourri of colors from top to bottom: earthy brownish orange with chartreuse tinges, an amber midsection and a golden yellow base. The buoyant blooms elongate on slender green stems and turn more tangerine as they mature, showing off a happy face amid Thymus ‘Archer’s Gold’ and Geums.
Blooms August. Size: 4' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 7. Kniphofia x Naudes Nek (P-1387)
Each $9.50
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