Kniphofia 'ICE QUEEN' torch lily, red hot poker

Ice Queen is the possibly the closest to white torch lily variety to date. Many botanists believe that genetically, a torch lily will never produce pure snow white, so Ice Queen can easily be considered a miracle. It was selected by the British horticulturist Alan Bloom (1906-2005), who devoted much of his life to breeding perennials, and introduced over 150 new varieties.

Ice Queen torch lily belongs among tall varieties, and in my garden it is an important accent in the camellia border with ferns where it looks both robust and tender at the same time. It bears cylindrical inflorescences composed of small tubular flowers that are light green with pale yellow hues at the top and almost white at the bottom. The overall colour impression is almost white. The stems are fleshy, strong and reach slightly over one meter or more in very good soil. Flowering begins in late July and lasts until the last sunny and warm days of October. The leaves are semi-evergreen, mid green, sword-like, narrowly lance-shaped, long, and slightly arching.

Torch lily is perfect for modern and exotic landscapes, and will also fit in mixed perennial borders where its vertical habit will beautifully contrast with other arching or mound forming plants. It is not ideal for growing in pots - first due to the roots, and secondly it is not very aesthetical.

Grow it in full sun only, in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Fertilizing is beneficial from early summer. This variety is hardy to about -27 °C if mulched, protecting the clump with a layer of fir branches is recommended for zone 6 winters. Tie up the clump before winter in order to prevent the crown from excessive moisture. Protect newly emerging stems with flower buds against slugs.

Last update 23-11-2022