Kniphofia 'PAPAYA POPSICLE'™

Popsicle™ is a torch lily series bred by Terra Nova Nursery in the USA. In spite of its name we suggest not to eat the flowers nor storing them in a freezer :-) Popsicle™ series comprises of several torch lily varieties of various flower colours or combinations. Most importantly, they are popular for their increased hardiness and tolerance to heavier soil. Both these advantages are very beneficial for Czech and Slovak conditions which is why we recommend Popsicles™ over any other cultivar.

Papaya is said to be one of the most delicious fruits on Earth when picked up at the right time, fresh from the tree. No wonder that one might want to taste the flowers of this new torch lily called Papaya Popsicle™. The flowers combine fiery red, orange, and yellow colour in spike-like inflorescence which appear atop strong, smooth stems from mid July. Under ideal growing conditions and in fertile soil it will flower continuously until September. Commonly it flowers for about 6 weeks and then repeats flowering in a weaker flush from early September. Semi-deciduous leaves are linear, narrow, dark green, and look like day-lily leaves but are firmer and more erect. Flowering stems are strong and do not bend in wind or rain.

Torch lily needs a location in full sun and humus-rich, moist but well drained soil. Having said that we can confirm that Popsicle™ series proved tough and reliable even in more compacted or clay soil without winter rotting. Just beware of slugs that can severely damage flowers buds, especially as they are borne at the ground level, but they also often climb the stems at night to feast on the unopened buds at the very top. This series is hardy to min. -24°C, possibly a few degrees more if mulched.

Last update 15-09-2012, 04-12-2017