Troubleshooting
Kniphofia 'Little Maid' problems — and how to fix them
Kniphofia 'Little Maid' (Kniphofia 'Little Maid') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crown rot on wet soil
Its slender crown is especially prone to rot in winter-wet ground; plant in sharply drained soil and avoid mulch piling against the base.
Reduced flowering
Shade or overcrowding cuts the late-season spikes; site in full sun and divide every few years to keep it floriferous.
Slug grazing on new shoots
Fresh spring growth is grazed by slugs and snails; keep the crown clear of decaying leaves and protect early shoots.
Lost among taller neighbours
Being compact, it is easily swamped; give it a front-of-border or gravel-garden position with space around it.
Prevent kniphofia 'little maid' problems before they start
Most kniphofia 'little maid' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for kniphofia 'little maid' in general rather than its problems? Read the full kniphofia 'little maid' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Kniphofia 'Little Maid' problems — FAQ
Why is my kniphofia 'little maid' crown rot on wet soil?
Its slender crown is especially prone to rot in winter-wet ground; plant in sharply drained soil and avoid mulch piling against the base.
Why is my kniphofia 'little maid' reduced flowering?
Shade or overcrowding cuts the late-season spikes; site in full sun and divide every few years to keep it floriferous.
Why is my kniphofia 'little maid' slug grazing on new shoots?
Fresh spring growth is grazed by slugs and snails; keep the crown clear of decaying leaves and protect early shoots.
Why is my kniphofia 'little maid' lost among taller neighbours?
Being compact, it is easily swamped; give it a front-of-border or gravel-garden position with space around it.