Kniphofia pauciflora
Water Needs
high
Perennial; Water plant
Dainty Poker
30 cm
Size
Light Conditions
sun
Frost
hardy
Flowers
Yellow; September to November; spring
Garden Situation
damp sun; water; wildlife insects birds
Habitat
Grassland; wetland; coastal kzn
Region
subtropical east coast
Rain Season
Summer
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Description
The Dainty Poker is an evergreen perennial bulb thought to be extinct in the wild before a small natural population of only 18 specimens, was found surviving in the fragment of grassland at Clairwood Race Course in Durban. Its slender size though, belies its resilience. Kniphofia pauciflora grows to 50 cm high, with Yellow tube-like flowers that stand up above the narrow leaves from September to November and intermittently through summer. Leaves are erect and a pale green in colour, 200 – 350 mm long and 2 – 8 mm wide Its preferred habitat of marshy grassland, in full sun or semi-shade so water regularly if planted in ordinary garden soil. It enjoys damp conditions making it a good choice for the water garden.