Kniphofia Plants

These fascinating perennials have spikes of two-toned flowers that look as if they were on fire. The two-toned effect is a result of uneven blooming of the tube-like florets along the spike: The bottom flowers turn yellow and start to wither before the top flowers are finished blooming. Some fade to creamy white and have red or coral tops. There are also some striking all-yellow, or all-orange cultivars in shades of light primrose to bright lemon yellow. Red-hot pokers bloom for several weeks in June, July or August, depending on the cultivar. The grass-like foliage looks fresh and handsome until after the plants bloom, when it tends to look overgrown and tired.