 |
The best clone from a collection of wild seed by Burras and Vosa. Sweetly scented flowers. John Grimshaw wrote in his garden diary in 2013: "It is hardy and charmingly coloured, flowering prolifically in early summer. Another good plant from that expedition to South Africa long ago, now getting the circulation it deserves." Talking about Kniphofia caulescens 'Oxford Blue' he adds: "It was brought back from South Africa by Ken Burras and Canio Vosa (B&V 67) in (I believe) 1967 ..." Stephen Benham says: "This species has much to offer the world of horticulture and I am convinced that T. natalensis has enormous potential, both the white and the pink flowered forms. The species is endemic to the uplands of Natal, occurring at an altitude between 800 to 1,800m and is therefore quite tolerant of frost. It is to be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from the acid peaty pastures often near to water, and vleis (hollows in which water collects in the rainy season) to the shallow soils on rocky ground. The flowering period for the wild populations is typically from August until October whereas in cultivation the period extends from May to July. The flowers have a strong fragrance during daylight hours and an even stronger, rather sickly nocturnal odour. The leaves have a powerful alliaceous smell, dying back in the autumn. Canio Vosa says: "A rather attractive species with showy white flowers, found in vleis and in marshy habitats. It is endemic of Natal and it is almost hardy and easy to cultivate in acid compost." |
|
| 26th June 2007 | ||
