Kniphofia 'Little Maid'

Everyone loves red hot pokers—also known as the torch lily, and originating in South Africa. They are instantly recognisable. From clumps of long, narrow, sword-shaped leaves come upright flower spikes carrying the characteristic glowing flower spikes. One of the best is Kniphofia 'Little Maid', which produces slender flower stems, closely set with narrow, tubular flowers extending more than half-way down the stem. Green in bud, the flowers open to a gorgeous lemon yellow, aging to cream and ivory-white. New flowers are produced continuously from late summer, almost until the first frost of autumn. The grass-like foliage of Kniphofia 'Little Maid' remains evergreen in milder regions. Incidentally, the stems are also wonderful for cutting and bringing indoors to display in a vase!

At less than 60cm, Kniphofia 'Little Maid' is probably half the size of most kniphofias available. It was first sold by the late Beth Chatto, arguably the most famous plantswoman of the past century.