Overview
Kniphofia alooides 'Brimstone' 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 'Brimstone' 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 'Brimstone' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae, commonly called Red Hot Poker. It carries narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves and may be evergreen or deciduous. The plant flowers from June to September. It favours a sunny, 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 'Brimstone' is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the Asphodelaceae, sold under the common name Red Hot Poker. Its leaves are narrow and strap-shaped or grassy in appearance and can be evergreen or deciduous depending on situation. Flowering runs from June to September. Position it in full sun on a south- or west-facing site where soil is fertile, sandy or loamy and neutral to slightly acid. Soil should hold moisture through the summer months but be free-draining in winter; poor drainage over winter is the most common cause of loss. The plant tolerates both exposed and sheltered locations, making it suitable for open borders or locations with some shelter from prevailing wet conditions. Its UK hardiness is H4–H6 (average to very hardy), which means it will suit most mainland UK gardens where the winter rootzone remains reasonably dry; the equivalent USDA range is 5–9. Allow room for a forming clump when planting and place where the foliage can be seen at close range, such as the middle of a summer border or a sunny gravel bed. Grouping several plants will accentuate the clump-forming habit and give a stronger presence through summer. It flowers from June to September, giving summer into early autumn interest.
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 'Brimstone' 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 'Brimstone'
- 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 'Brimstone'?
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 'Brimstone'?
Kniphofia alooides 'Brimstone' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia alooides 'Brimstone' need?
Kniphofia alooides 'Brimstone' 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 'Brimstone'?
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 'Brimstone' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia alooides 'Brimstone' 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 'Brimstone'?
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'