Kniphofia ‘Bees' Sunset’
Words: Graham Rice
The trial of kniphofias which ended last year revealed some outstanding plants, old and new, and also showed what a long season can be achieved if varieties are chosen thoughtfully. But perhaps the plant which was most impressive, and which also caused much discussion, was ‘Bees’ Sunset’.
This is one of a number of kniphofias introduced many decades of ago by Bees of Chester, who also introduced such plants as Clematis ‘Bees’ Jubilee’ and Lobelia ‘Bees’ Flame’. The nursery may be long gone, but some of their plants live on.
Prolific plants were much admired
‘Bees Sunset’ was much admired both by the panel of experts that assessed the trial and by the visiting public. Its 3-4ft (90cm-1.2m) bronzed stems are topped with spikes of flowers which are rich and glowing orange in bud, then become brighter as they open. The plants are very prolific, the stems are self supporting and the flowers open from May to July.
In June 2008 the panel described ‘Bees Sunset’ as producing an “amazing show of colour, very floriferous although the foliage not so good” and a “stunning show of colour, not perfect form but outstanding display nonetheless”. So while the form of the flowering spikes may not have been perfect and the foliage may have been less than impressive, the overall display was so remarkable that ‘Bees’ Sunset’ fully deserved its Award of Garden Merit.
Sold under other names
Also in the trial was a plant sent in as ‘Shining Sceptre’ but it was clear that this too was in fact ‘Bees’ Sunset’ and it was also noted that ‘Bees’ Sunset’ had also been sold as ‘Coral Flame’. The true ‘Shining Sceptre’ has ivory coloured flowers, the true ‘Coral Flame’ is shorter and features reddish-orange flowers.
The Floral Trials Assessment Panel looked over the trial a grand total of 27 times over three years – there’s dedication for you – and gave AGMs to 24 of them. Some are having their names clarified, work continues long after the trial has ended.
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