Red Hot Pokers

Key Features of Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)

• Scientific Name: Kniphofia spp.
• Common Names: Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily, Tritoma
• Flower Color: Shades of red, orange, yellow, and sometimes green or cream
• Blooming Season: Late spring to autumn, depending on the variety
• Foliage: Evergreen or semi-evergreen (grass-like, strap-shaped leaves)
• Height & Spread: 60 cm to 1.5 m (2-5 ft) tall, 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) wide
• Growth Habit: Clump-forming, upright
• Sun Requirements: Full sun (at least 6 hours per day)
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; drought-tolerant once established
• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers dry to medium moisture
• Wildlife Benefits: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Deer & Rabbit Resistance: Highly resistant

Popular Kniphofia Varieties

• Kniphofia uvaria – Classic variety with fiery red-to-yellow gradient spikes.
• Kniphofia ‘Poco Red’ – Tall variety with deep red-orange flowers.
• Kniphofia ‘Poco Orange’ – A mix of red, orange, and yellow, compact growth.
• Kniphofia ‘Sweet Corn’ – Shorter variety with bright yellow blooms.
• Kniphofia ‘Rockets Red Glare’ – Compact form with red-orange flowers.

Garden Uses for Red Hot Poker

• Borders & Flower Beds: Provides vertical height and vivid color.
• Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Perfect for dry, sandy, or rocky landscapes.
• Wildlife Gardens: A magnet for pollinators, especially hummingbirds and bees.
• Coastal & Mediterranean Gardens: Tolerant of salt spray and dry conditions.
• Containers: Smaller varieties can thrive in large pots.

Care & Maintenance

• Planting: Space plants 60-90 cm (2-3 ft) apart in well-draining soil.
• Watering: Moderate; avoid waterlogging as roots rot in soggy soil.
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote blooms.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
• Winter Care: Mulch in colder regions to protect roots.
• Dividing: Every 3-5 years, divide clumps in spring to maintain vigor.

Companion Plants

• Lavender (Lavandula) – Complements Kniphofia’s warm tones and thrives in similar conditions.
• Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – Adds airy contrast with silvery foliage.
• Echinacea (Coneflower) – Extends the flowering season and attracts pollinators.
• Ornamental Grasses (Miscanthus, Pennisetum) – Softens the vertical structure of Red Hot Pokers.
• Salvia (Sage) – Deep blues and purples contrast beautifully with fiery flowers.