Kniphofia: Red Hot Poker
Bold, architectural, and impossible to ignore—red hot pokers bring fiery spikes of color to the summer garden.
Plant care & info
Family: Asphodelaceae
Genus: Kniphofia
Common Name: Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily
There are 68 species in the genus Kniphofia, all originating in southern and eastern Africa.
Plant in full sun with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. In the summer, Kniphofia can handle moisture, but they need well-drained soil during the winter. Also, they need moisture when the blooms are forming and will fail to flower if conditions are too dry. Kniphofia can tolerate wind and is a good choice for coastal plantings.
Diligent deadheading (removing spent flower blossoms) will prolong the bloom season. In the fall, remove the unsightly looking leaves and any dead flower stalks that are left. For the winter, do not cut the foliage back, but instead try tying it up over the center of the plant to protect the crown from winter moisture and help insulate the crown to extend longevity. Mulching in the winter is helpful. In the spring, once the cold weather is past, cut the foliage back down to about three inches from the ground to rejuvenate, but avoid pruning too close to the crown.
Attracts hummingbirds, deer resistant, drought tolerant, attracts bees and birds. Excellent cut flower.
Dig up and divide clumps in the spring, unless it is flowering, in which case wait until after the plant is done flowering.
The blossom spikes open from the bottom to top over the course of several days, changing color as the blossoms mature. Most varieties begin blooming by late June and some will re-bloom until frost.
Hybridizing has led to many different colors and sizes for the gardener to choose from. Flower color ranges from coral red through shades of orange, peach, yellow to near white and light green. Size ranges from dwarf (14 inches tall) up to 6 feet tall. Some species are evergreen and some deciduous.
Kniphofia makes a statement in the garden, and its unique structural look is an excellent addition to tropical gardens when paired with purple or red-foliage cannas, or a more xeriscaped garden planted with Perovskia, Echinacea, and Penstemon.
Some of the smaller varieties also make nice additions to summer containers, and evergreen varieties bring year-round interest. Kniphofia are attractive to hummingbirds and make a great addition to the hummingbird garden. They also make great cut flowers.
