Overview
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Flame' 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 'Bressingham Flame' 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. It is native to South Africa.
About
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Flame' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for its summer flowering. Leaves are narrow and strap-shaped or grassy and may be evergreen or deciduous. It flowers in the UK from June to September. Plant in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil and favour a south or west-facing position.
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 'Bressingham Flame' is a clump-forming, upright perennial from South Africa, placed in the Asphodelaceae. The foliage is narrow and arching or strap-shaped and may be evergreen or deciduous; the plant is valued for its clear summer display, with blooms appearing from June to September in the UK. Grow it in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Soils should hold moisture through the summer but be free-draining over winter to avoid waterlogging; choose a south- or west-facing aspect where heat and light are strongest. The plant tolerates both exposed and sheltered sites and carries a hardiness range of H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so it will survive typical UK winters though the coldest gardens may favour a sheltered spot. Use Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Flame' in borders, flower beds, wildlife gardens and for cutting. Its upright, clump-forming habit provides vertical structure in mixed herbaceous borders or sunny beds. When in flower, stems can be cut for indoor arrangements, making it useful both in the border and as a summer cut flower supply.
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 'Bressingham Flame' 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
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Flame'
- 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 'Bressingham Flame'?
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 'Bressingham Flame'?
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Flame' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Flame' need?
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Flame' 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 'Bressingham Flame'?
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 'Bressingham Flame' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Flame' 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 'Bressingham Flame'?
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'