KNIPHOFIA, commonly called “Red Hot Poker”, were very popular in the ‘60s but less so in the ‘70s.

Like many plants they are a fad for some time and then other plants take over in the popularity stakes.

Originating in South Africa and Madagascar, the genus has about 24 species, the most popular being K. uvaria with fiery, scarlet torch flowers and yellow lower flowers.

Pictured here is the bright yellow variety flowering at present, giving an extra splash of colour. They are ideal as a backdrop to other perennials, growing to a metre tall. They are easy to propagate by division, preferably in spring.

It is important that they are well established over several years before dividing so that the new shoots have developed strong healthy roots.

 

IRIS unguicularis is a delightful winter flowerer that is quite common in many older gardens and deserves to be planted more often in newer gardens.

It is often not grown to perfection as the flowers and buds can be hidden in the mass of strappy, green leaves. These leaves are a haven for snails, which in turn devour the flowers.

Unlike many irises, this variety will grow and flower equally in shade or full sun. It is great on slopes to prevent soil erosion. The flowers have a delightful fragrance.

It is best at this time to cut the foliage to ground level to allow winter sun to penetrate the emerging flower buds. New foliage will not usually emerge until spring, enabling the flowers to be seen to perfection.

Now is also an ideal time to divide these iris, although you may get reduced flowers for the first season.

 

After the wet

• CATERPILLARS are the bane of grape growers at this time and can be controlled with Dipel. This is a natural bio-insecticide that is non-toxic to humans and will control only caterpillars, not other insects.
• ST Patrick’s Day is the traditional time to plant Sweet Peas, if you missed this time it is still okay. The idea is that the ground is still warm to germinate the seeds before the frost.
• IT’S time to prune climbing plants such as Trachelospermum jasminoides or Star Jasmine and Potato vine.
• DIG and divide tall bearded iris rhizomes, keeping the top of the rhizome exposed to the sun and not covered by soil or mulch.