Poker collection achieves national status
Acollection of 2,000 red-hot pokers at the Eden Project has been given National Collection status by conservation charity Plant Heritage, a first for the Cornwall-based attraction.
The striking range of 79 varieties were planted in 2016 on a steeply sloping acre of land, with the worldfamous biomes as a backdrop. A further 21 species and varieties will be planted out next year.
Already the display of different forms, dubbed ‘Bright Sparks’, has provided a succession of blooms from May to October, supplemented by other plants from South Africa, ornamental grasses and trachycarpus palms. Lester Elliott, keeper of the only other National Collection, on the Isle of Wight, has offered to find varieties the garden can’t find.
“We’ve a strategic plan that will maximise its value, generate research and contribute to the conservation of threatened kniphofia species in Africa,” said Dr Mike Maunder, Eden’s Director of Life Sciences.
Visit www.edenproject.com; tel: 01726 811911.