There are over 60 species of this stunning South African perennial. They are upright tufted plants with colorful and showy flowers in thick spikes at the end of long, elegant stems. The early forms had bright red flowers, hence the common name, Red Hot Poker. These plants are now grown widely around the world and have been the subject of lots of amateur breeding.
‘Cobra’ is a medium shrub with flowers are white at the bottom, peach in the middle and orange at the top. It is easy to grow and reaches an average height of 1.0m and width of 80cm. Like most Kniphofia, it is hardy to moderate frosts, likes part to full sun and will grow in a wide range of soils. It will also tolerate some level of dryness and the flowers occur during late spring and summer. Feed annually with Osmocote Outdoor Trees & Shrubs after cleaning up any dead foliage and flower heads.
Kniphofia ‘Cobra’ is another of the hybrids to come out of the Blooms breeding program. It is an excellent border to a large established garden, or an under shrub to large open trees or as an edge to a long driveway. It will also perform well in large tubs and patio gardens as a specimen plant. Due to its grass like form ‘Cobra’ makes an excellent centerpiece to a grass garden. Plant with Arthropodium ‘Parnell’ for a stunning display of form and color or with Lavandula ‘Avonview’ for contrast of shape, texture and color.
