I was inspired by Loree's post about her Tetrapanax 'Rex' which made me think of what other plants I can recommend that gets big in a relatively short amount of time and never fails to make a statement in a garden...
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| Kniphofia northiae |
It gets big, really big, sometimes up to a metre in height and spread in just one season and looking more like a giant, succulent aloe rather than a red hot poker. The longer you have it the taller it can go both upwards, forming a trunk, and outwards as it sends out more shoots to form a colony.
The flowers are a bonus but grow it more for its foliage and architectural form.
The long, heavy, and succulent leaves have a tendency to sprawl all over and can smother nearby plants so regular trimming down of leaves can be necessary. Or if space is not a problem give it a generous portion of it and watch it do its thing without anything else crowding it.
It has a tendency to go scruffy in the winter, much like most plants but in early spring before new growth kick starts give the old leaves a good trim like we did ours last weekend, as we do year in and out.
I quite like the way it looks trimmed like that but if you're not keen all the trimmed leaves will be replaced in no time at all as the weather warms up.
This giant poker will do well in a well drained spot in an aspect that is in full sun to light shade. It appreciates feeding and generous watering in the summer but good drainage in the winter is essential to prevent it from rotting which it can be extra susceptible with.
Put it in a prominent spot and watch it grow...
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
They are an incredible looking bloom. Unfortunately the bloom lives too short a time. Why can't they come up with a bloom that lives all summer. :)
ReplyDeleteCher Sunray Gardens
The bloom lasts for awhile but succession through the summer would have been better Cher :)
DeleteI have a number of Kniphfoia caulescens, which also get ratty looking at the end of winter. I've been trimming them lately, making quite a mess but not as much as yours with the K. northiae. I'll have to look into it, maybe for the front garden, where I've set an area aside for tropical-looking giants. It does look quite wonderfully lush in that last shot.
ReplyDeleteThat's another fine Kniphofia Alison, them two are the best looking pokers around for dramatic form and foliage. It will look great in your front garden!
DeleteI absolutely LOVE this plant. I´m not able to buy many interesting plants here in Spain, they don´t sell them. But I did buy seeds of this plant...although I haven´t been able to grow a plant from them. Some day I will have one in my garden but in the meantime I´ll enjoy yours!!!
ReplyDeleteYou'll need to go on a plant buying trip here soon Lisa. Remember, no restriction on plant travel within EU :))
DeleteMmm, that's a good idea!! though I don't know how to take it in the plane without smashing the plant...but I´ll think about it :)
DeleteLike Alison I've grown Kniphfoia caulescens but never K. northiae, I think I must find one now!
ReplyDeleteA bit surprised Loree and you'll have to, this plant is so you!
DeleteMy Kniphofias usually look a lot like yours but the last winter was a beast and they all turned to piles of mush. Once that was cleared away, new shoots began to appear. It will be interesting to see how they perform this summer.
ReplyDeleteHopefully better this time around Ricki. Winter wet can be a problem for them so a well drained spot is essential :)
DeleteYour kniphofia looks fantastic but the million dollar question is ... is it hardy ? I see that it doesn't like wet feet but, if it is kept dry will it survive outside with protection?
ReplyDeleteIt depends on your location Jane but if your conditions are similar to ours then it shouldn't be a problem even without any protection at all. A well drained spot is a must. It is reasonably hardy and have it for a few years now and we had another one that sailed through fine in winter 2010-11 :)
DeleteIt reminds me of a giant leek when it's all trimmed back! I love the last picture of it - I've never heard of it and don't think I've seen one before.
ReplyDeleteIt does look like one doesn't it Amy? :) well worth looking for one soon, likely to do well in your garden!
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