Kniphofia linearifolia

This is the classic red hot poker growing to nearly 2 metres and in summer, carrying huge flower heads orange red in bud opening to yellow. It has all the virtues, being vigorous and free-flowering, drought-tolerant and frost hardy. The larger growing kniphofias are tolerant of drought and this is no exception. I cut the leaves down to about 15cm after flowering has finished as this keeps everything tidy.