Kniphofia is a genus of around 70 varieties found in the wild in the Tropics and South Africa, in mountains and particularly along river banks and in wetlands.

Most of the varieties grow from rhizomes and spread.

The flowers, held on tall stems, can be yellow, orange, red, white or any combination of these colours.

In Turkish this plant is called the ‘Lighthouse Plant’ because of the shape and colours of its flower stems.

Each flower head is actually made of many tiny pipe-shaped flowers and they are attractive for bees.

The leaves vary according to the variety and can be any length between 10cm and 100cm.

The leaves of varieties which die back in winter tend to be thin and grass-like, whilst those which are evergreen have thicker leaves.

The best known variety is Kniphofia uvaria.

Nowadays many hybrids are available which can vary in overall height from 50 – 180cm.

In landscaping the hybrids are preferred because they are more showy and sturdier.

Some varieties cannot withstand frost, others will take light or medium frost.

This plant is not too fussy about planting conditions, but it does very well indeed in well-drained, humus-rich soil with a light sand content.

It will grow in full sun or partial shade.

Propagation can be by seed planted in spring or by planting rhizomes split from an existing plant at the end of spring.

In landscape design it is often used in groups which give a strong structural effect when all the plants are in bloom.

Shorter hybrid forms can be used as ground cover whilst the taller varieties look good planted between trees.

For a wide range of special plants visit the areas best nursery, The Palm Centre at Köyceğiz.

It is open daily between 1st June – 31st October but you can visit at any other time by appointment. Just ring or email (English is spoken):

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Tel      :  +90 252 262 28 92
Fax      :  +90 252 262 51 61

URL      :  http://www.palmiyemerkezi.com