Kniphofia 'SHINING SPECTRE' torch lily, red hot poker

Shining Spectre is a gorgeous torch lily variety from England. It was bred by Adrian Bloom from The Bressingham Gardens in Norfolk. It produces up to 15 cm long spike-like racemes composed of small, tubular flowers on strong, green stems. The flowers are bright sulphur yellow at first, and mature into a fantastic shade of hot afternoon sun - rich golden yellow. The flowers appear from mid July in several flushes, and in good, fertile soil it can produce the last fresh flowers in late September highlighting the colours of Indian summer until the last sunny and warm days of October.

Narrow, linear leaves are dark green and look like daylily leaves but are more erect. In mild winters they could remain evergreen until spring. Otherwise they fade out during winter and are followed by new foliage in mid to late spring. 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.

Grow it in full sun, in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Fertilizing is beneficial from early summer. This variety is hardy to about -24°C if mulched, protecting the clump with a layer of fir branches is recommended for winter in zone 6. 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 28-09-2017