Bright and imposing, kniphofias lend height, vibrancy and drama to any garden. ‘Little Maid’ produces slender spikes of pale yellow tubular flowers fading to ivory above clumps of evergreen, strap-like leaves from August to September. Originally from South Africa, the elegant, torch-like flowers of kniphofia make vertical accents in a sunny border and look particularly good as part of a scheme based on ‘hot’ colours. They also look great against a background of ornamental grasses. More compact than other varieties, ‘Little Maid’ is ideal for smaller gardens. An easy and undemanding plant.

Garden care: In autumn remove and compost the faded, flower spikes and apply a deep, dry mulch around the crown of the plant. Cut back to the ground in spring to keep the foliage fresh-looking. Divide and re-plant overcrowded colonies in spring.