Overview
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Torch' 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 Torch' 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 Torch' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae, commonly known as Red Hot Poker. Native to South Africa, it flowers in the UK from June to September. Leaves are narrow, arching and strap-shaped or grass-like and may be evergreen or deciduous. It prefers full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH and 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 Torch' arrives from South Africa and keeps to the genus habit of an upright, clump-forming perennial. Flowering runs from June to September in the UK, making it a summer-long contributor to borders and beds. The foliage is narrow and strap-shaped or grassy and may be evergreen or die back, depending on site and season. Plant it in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. It likes moisture in summer but needs free-draining conditions over winter; a soil that retains moisture in the warmer months yet does not become waterlogged in cold weather is ideal. A south- or west-facing aspect will give the best flowering, and the variety tolerates both exposed and sheltered spots. Hardiness is given as H4–H6, which translates to average to very hardy across the UK; it also corresponds to USDA zones 5–9. Use Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Torch' in perennial borders, mixed flower beds and wildlife-friendly planting, or grow it where you can cut stems for summer displays. Because it tolerates exposed sites and a range of garden aspects, place it where upright stems can be seen and cut for arrangements if required.
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 Torch' 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 Torch'
- 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 Torch'?
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 Torch'?
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Torch' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Torch' need?
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Torch' 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 Torch'?
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 Torch' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia alooides 'Bressingham Torch' 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 Torch'?
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'