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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Asphodelaceae (~Liliaceae) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Brown |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Fragrant Flowers: Yes |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 2-4 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: <15° F |
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Kniphofia typhoides (Brown Poker) - This is a perennial that forms clumps of 1 inch wide slightly-keeled leaves to 2-3 feet tall. In late summer (September) the flower stalks rise above the foliage bearing honey scented brown flowers that are very attractive to bees and other nectar foragers. It is one of only two species in the genus Kniphofia that has such flowers. In its native habitat flowering often occurs during the rainy season and as it grows usually on low lying marshy ground, it may become inundated for several weeks while the plants are flowering. It has been noted that the plants only seem to flower during years of average or above average rainfall - this likely limits this plant to irrigated garden settings as it may require summer water to encourage flowers. Plant in full sun to part shade. Makes an ideal bog plant and may also be grown in moist areas with heavy clay soil. It tolerates sub-zero temperatures in winter. Kniphofia typhoides was once widely recorded from the grasslands of much of South Africa, but population pressures and grazing by livestock have degraded its habitat to the point that it is threatened in the wild. The name Kniphofia honors Johann Hieronymus Kniphof (1704 -1763), a German physician and botanist. The pronunciation of this genus is often argued about and while most continue to use the easiest to pronounce versions such as ny-FOE-fee-ah or nee-FOF-ee-a, others argue correctly that the name should follow the pronunciation of the name it commemorates. But even for this there are differences of opinion owing to different German regional dialects - one such pronunciation often noted as correct is nip-HOFF-ee-uh while another that is particularly hard to pronounce is k-nip-HOF-ia. Keeping it simple we still use ny-FOE-fee-ah. We grew this plant starting in 2001 but discontinued in 2004 because most people thought it too odd, which is what attracted us to it in the first place.
The information about Kniphofia typhoides displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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