Overview
Kniphofia alooides 'Atlanta' 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 alooides 'Atlanta' 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.
About
Kniphofia alooides 'Atlanta' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae that flowers from June to September. It carries narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves forming a basal mound. Plant in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH and summer moisture retained but winter drainage. Hardiness is H4–H6, so it will survive across much of the UK with attention in the coldest sites.
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 alooides 'Atlanta' is a perennial member of the Asphodelaceae with a distinctly upright, clump-forming habit and a long summer flowering season from June to September. The foliage can be narrow and arching or strap-shaped, forming a basal mound from which the flowering season emerges. Its architectural form gives clear vertical emphasis in sunnier parts of the garden. Give it full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil that is neutral to slightly acid. The soil should hold moisture through the summer months but drain freely in winter; waterlogged roots over winter can be harmful while summer moisture supports flowering. Choose a south- or west-facing position where the plant receives the most light; exposure can be either sheltered or fairly exposed depending on site conditions. Hardiness falls between H4 (average) and H6 (very hardy), so it is winter-hardy across much of Britain though the coldest, exposed corners may need protection or a sheltered aspect. Use Kniphofia alooides 'Atlanta' where an upright, clump-forming perennial will complement a sunny border or gravel bed and provide vertical structure through summer. Its summer-to-early-autumn flowering run (June to September) makes it useful for extending the season of vertical colour in sunlit parts of the garden.
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 alooides 'Atlanta' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia alooides 'Atlanta'
- 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 alooides 'Atlanta'?
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 alooides 'Atlanta'?
Kniphofia alooides 'Atlanta' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia alooides 'Atlanta' need?
Kniphofia alooides 'Atlanta' 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 alooides 'Atlanta'?
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 alooides 'Atlanta' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia alooides 'Atlanta' 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 alooides 'Atlanta'?
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 'Ada'red-hot poker 'Ada'
- Kniphofia 'Erecta'red-hot poker 'Erecta'
- Kniphofia 'Goldelse'red-hot poker 'Goldelse'