Kniphofia 'Nancy's Red'

Everyone loves red hot pokers: they are instantly recognisable. From clumps of long, narrow, sword-shaped leaves come upright flower spikes carrying the characteristic glowing flower spikes. Kniphofia 'Nancy's Red' produces yellow buds that open out to bright, deep coral-red flower spikes, between June and October. These flowers start to droop as they age, and change ever so subtly to take on a shade more orange, with stamens adding a hint of yellow. It is a shorter-growing variety, often just 45-60cm feet tall, making it suitable for the front or mid-way point in a border or, indeed, as a specimen plant on its own. It is also a good plant for wildlife, attracting bees, butterflies and other insects.

Kniphofia 'Nancy's Red' in moist but well-drained soil, ideally in full sun (although it also performs well in shade). Team it with other hot-coloured flowers, and plants such as Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis) or Euphorbia mellifera, or ornamental grasses (including Panicum virgatum and Succisa pratensis) that enjoy similar growing conditions.