Ask Alys Fowler: why didn’t my kniphofias flower?
This article is more than 7 years oldOur gardening expert has the answer
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I planted three yellow kniphofia this year; none flowered. One grew quite big, with lots of leaves but no sign of buds. My soil is clay but I added compost and grit to improve the drainage. They get sun for about half of the day.
Be patient. You have decided to put sun-loving plants in a moderately sunny place; they are either just getting used to their home or sulking a bit. Either way they’ll settle in. Lots of leaves is a good sign: it means the plant is putting down roots. If the other two don’t start to show signs of healthy growth next year, consider moving them to somewhere with more sun.
Once kniphofias (red-hot pokers) get comfortable, they are robust, easygoing plants, but think of it this way: if you wanted to go to Greece to lie on the beach and someone offered you the Hebrides, pointing out that both had white sand and turquoise waters, you might be a bit miffed. Once you’d found some good wellington boots, though, and realised the beaches of the Hebrides are just as lovely as the Aegean’s, you’d settle in. But I will say this: afternoon sun is stronger than morning; if they are sitting in gloom all afternoon, they may sulk for ever.
Got a question for Alys? Email askalys@theguardian.com
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