Kniphofia is a genus of roughly 70 species native to the mountainous regions of southern and tropical Africa, where they grow in grasslands and along stream margins at altitude. The range in garden forms is considerable, from dwarf cultivars barely 18 inches tall to towering species that push past six feet. What unifies them is the signature flower spike, densely packed with tubular florets that typically grade from red or orange at the tip down to yellow or cream at the base, a gradient that accounts for much of their visual drama.

In the garden, these plants demand good drainage above all else. They perform well in sandy soils and tolerate moderate drought once established, but standing water in winter will rot the crown. In colder zones, tie the leaves over the crown to shed ice, and mulch the roots well. Division should be done carefully, severing offsets from the outer edges of the clump rather than disturbing the central rhizomes. Remove spent flower spikes promptly to encourage continued blooming through the season.