THE RED-HOT POKER, OR TRITOMA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19737, 13 March 1926, Page 3

THE RED-HOT POKER, OR TRITOMA.

NOW KNOWN AS KNIPHOFIAS. These very effective hardy border flowers, formerly known as fritomas and commonly called torch lilies and red-hot pokers, are being planted more extensively even year. From July to November there are three subjects, that, planted singly or in the mass, according to the space available, alway s appeal to me —namely, Primus Pissardii, pampas grass and the knipholia. The rich foliage, the stately plumes and the striking spikes respectively, combine to make a very fine display, which remains effective for a considerable time But I wish to refer more especially now to the kniphofia. Those who love these flowers and wish to grow them, but do not understand the behaviour of the plants, mav think it necessary to plant them during this autumn period. In certain circumstances they mav be planted in the autumn, but care should be taken throughout the winter to protect the roots in the loosened ’■•'l from severe frosts, by placing a good layer of dry litter around each specimen and close up to the leaves. It the time can bo chosen, then do the planting in the spring in duly prepared ground. With some gardeners it is a duty never to be shirked to trim off the outer leaves of planfs in the borders in the autumn and early winter time to make all look tidy. In_ the ease of numerous kinds of plants this is a very necessary work, but in that of the kniphofia it is wrong to cut off more of any leaf than, it may be, the dead portion. Retain all the sound foliage possible whether on established or newlyplanted specimens. .The best soil for . these plants is one well

drained and of a light loamy nature, although I have grown thorn fairly successfully in an almost pure clay, and in this medium the plants boro very highlv coloured flowers. Since the early days of the old variety, K. Uvnria, with its scarlet flower spikes, we have had, especially of late, a succession of new' sorts from self yellows to ln<lT yellow and scarlet and orange combinations, and the height ranges from 2ft to 7ft. Thus we see how easy it is to arrange the plants suitably in a border,, singly or in clumps or in separate beds. Lor a small border, rufj, yedew sp.kes. tipped red; Maccwnni, orange-scarlet; Goldelso Improved, yellow self; Buttercup, golden yellow self; and Prince of Orange, rich orange flowers, with Empress, red, all under ?ft in height, will never be out of place. For the back of a large border perhaps nuiltiflora, sulphur and Tit high, is the tallest-growing variety, and there are Jovely sorts intermediate in height.—G. G., in the Garden.