Common Torch Lily is the species from which much of the Kniphofia garden lineage descends. Native to South Africa, it forms a two-foot mound of broad basal leaves before sending up flower scapes to four feet, each crowned with a dense ten-inch raceme. The florets open red at the tip and fade to warm yellow below, giving the spike its characteristic two-toned effect that other species and hybrids have endlessly riffed on.

It performs best in full sun with average to sandy soil that drains freely, and once settled it is best left undisturbed. Established clumps resent being moved and can take a season or two to recover from division. Butterflies and hummingbirds find the pendant tubular flowers irresistible, making this an excellent choice near a border edge where the pollinators can be watched. In colder parts of its range, a protective covering of leaves tied over the crown will keep frost from settling into the growing point.