Overview
Kniphofia 'Ada' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the genus Kniphofia, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy foliage. Kniphofia 'Ada' grows best in full sun, and tolerates fertile sandy or loamy soil soils and neutral to slightly acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4–H6. Suggested uses include borders, flower beds, wildlife gardens and cut flowers.
About
Kniphofia 'Ada' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for its summer flower display. It bears narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy foliage that may be evergreen or deciduous. Plant in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Choose a south- or west-facing site where soil remains moisture-retentive in summer but drains freely in winter.
About the genus
Kniphofia is a genus of perennial flowering plants in the family Asphodelaceae, first described as a genus in 1794. All species of Kniphofia are native to Africa. Common names include tritoma, red hot poker, torch lily and poker plant.
Wikipedia contributors, "Kniphofia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Kniphofia
In the garden
Kniphofia 'Ada' is a clump-forming, upright perennial valued for its summer flowering habit and use as a cut flower. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae and is commonly grown where tall, architectural flower stems are needed in borders and beds. Suggested uses include borders, flower beds, wildlife gardens and cutting for displays. Sit the plant in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. It prefers soil that holds moisture through the growing season but will not tolerate waterlogged conditions in winter, so free drainage at the root zone is important. A south- or west-facing aspect suits it best, and it will tolerate either exposed or more sheltered positions. Hardiness is H4–H6, which translates as average to very hardy across much of the UK; the equivalent USDA range is 5–9. Flowering runs from June to September, producing the tall stems that are typically used as cut flowers. Use Kniphofia 'Ada' where you want vertical presence at the back of a border or a strong summer focal point in a mixed bed. The June–September flower spikes are suitable for cutting; harvest stems when fully coloured for vase displays.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Kniphofia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Fertile sandy or loamy soil
- Soil pH
- Neutral to slightly acid
- Soil moisture
- Moisture-retentive in summer, well drained in winter
- Aspect
- South or west facing
- Exposure
- Exposed or sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4–H6
Plant details
Kniphofia 'Ada' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, flower beds, wildlife gardens, cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Ada'
- Cultivation
- What most red hot pokers want is summer moisture combined with winter dryness. Plant on a free-draining site, water generously while the spikes are forming, then protect the crowns of less hardy kinds with a dry mulch or by tying the leaves up over the centre in autumn.
- Pruning
- Remove faded spikes at the base. Cut deciduous foliage down in late autumn; on evergreens pull away dead leaves by hand rather than shearing the whole clump.
- Propagation
- Divide established clumps in late spring — autumn division risks rotting. Species germinate readily from seed but take two to three years to flower.
- Pest resistance
- Usually undemanding, but aphids, thrips, slugs and snails can all take advantage of the crown and new growth.
- Disease resistance
- Healthy in suitable conditions. Crown and root rot follow winter waterlogging.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Kniphofia 'Ada'?
What most red hot pokers want is summer moisture combined with winter dryness. Plant on a free-draining site, water generously while the spikes are forming, then protect the crowns of less hardy kinds with a dry mulch or by tying the leaves up over the centre in autumn.
Where is the best place to plant Kniphofia 'Ada'?
Kniphofia 'Ada' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Ada' need?
Kniphofia 'Ada' grows best in fertile sandy or loamy soil soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moisture-retentive in summer to well drained in winter.
How do I prune Kniphofia 'Ada'?
Remove faded spikes at the base. Cut deciduous foliage down in late autumn; on evergreens pull away dead leaves by hand rather than shearing the whole clump.
Is Kniphofia 'Ada' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Ada' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Kniphofia 'Ada'?
Divide established clumps in late spring — autumn division risks rotting. Species germinate readily from seed but take two to three years to flower.
More in the Kniphofia genus
- Kniphofia 'Royal Standard'red-hot poker 'Royal Standard'
- Kniphofia gracilisRed Hot Poker
- Kniphofia rufaRed Hot Poker
- Kniphofia triangularisdwarf red-hot poker
- Kniphofia tuckii of gardensRed Hot Poker
- Kniphofia 'Erecta'red-hot poker 'Erecta'
- Kniphofia 'Goldelse'red-hot poker 'Goldelse'
- Kniphofia 'Goldfinch'Red Hot Poker