Kniphofia ‘Poco Sunset’

‘Poco Sunset’ is a properly compact red hot poker, part of a dwarf series bred for small-garden use. Spikes of tubular deep orange-red flowers rise above arching dark green linear leaves from midsummer into early autumn, ageing to orange as they mature.

Plants reach around 40 to 60cm tall and form a tidy clump, much more manageable than the big old-fashioned pokers. Brilliant for hummingbird-attracting (for us, that means bees and butterflies).

Plant in deep, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Mulch over the crown in cold winters. Divide congested clumps in spring every few years.

A cracking plant for a sunny border, a gravel garden, a large container, or a hot-colour scheme.