Overview
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Glow' 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 Glow' 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, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens and cut flowers. It is native to South Africa.
About
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Glow' is a clump-forming, upright perennial that produces tall flower spikes. It carries narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves that may be evergreen or deciduous. Flowering occurs from June to September. The plant is native to South Africa and prefers a sunny, south- or west-facing spot in fertile sandy or loamy soil.
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
A member of the Asphodelaceae, Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Glow' comes from South Africa and forms upright clumps of narrow, grassy foliage. It flowers from June to September, producing the elongated spikes gardeners prize for summer borders and cutting. The foliage can be evergreen or deciduous depending on site and season. Place it in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It prefers soil that remains moisture-retentive through the summer but drains freely in winter, so avoid heavy, waterlogged ground; a raised bed or free-draining border helps in wetter locations. A south- or west-facing aspect is ideal, and the plant tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions. In UK hardiness terms it sits in H4–H6 (average to very hardy) and corresponds to USDA 5–9, so it will suit many temperate gardens where roots remain reasonably dry over winter. Use 'Bressingham Glow' at the back of mixed borders, in cottage-style plantings and pollinator areas, or grown for cutting. The long, upright flower stems provide reliable summer cut flowers from June to September.
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 Glow' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Glow'
- 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 Glow'?
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 Glow'?
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Glow' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Glow' need?
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Glow' 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 Glow'?
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 Glow' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Glow' 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 Glow'?
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'