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KNIPHOFIA

Dense clumps of grasslike, finely toothed foliage produce bare stems topped by nodding, tubular flowers in tight, overlapping clusters. Flowering stems look like glowing pokers or torches, hence the common name. Blossoms open from bottom to top over the course of several days, changing color as they mature. Increasing numbers of species—mostly from South Africa—are now grown in gardens and hybridized. The old 3-ft.-high forms of Kniphofia uvaria in shades of coral orange and yellow have given way to kinds with blooms ranging from coral red through every conceivable shade of orange, peach, and yellow to near-white and light green, on plants varying in size from 1 1/2- ft. dwarfs to 6-ft. giants. The flowers attract hummingbirds.

Kniphofia uvaria

South Africa. Leaves to 1 in. wide, 2 ft. long make coarse, grassy clumps. Oblong flower heads form on stems 3 to 3 1/2 ft. tall. Coral red buds open to orange or deep yellow blossoms in summer (in fall, in cold-winter climates).