Overview
Kniphofia alooides 'Buttercup' 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 'Buttercup' 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, rock gardens, wildlife gardens and cut flowers. It is native to South Africa.
About
Kniphofia alooides 'Buttercup' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for its tall flower spikes that rise above narrow, arching leaves. The foliage may be narrow and grassy or broader and strap-shaped depending on plant form. Flowering occurs in the UK from June to September. It suits sunny, well-drained sites with summer moisture and winter drainage.
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 'Buttercup' originates from South Africa and belongs to the genus Kniphofia, a group of perennials noted for upright, spike-like flowers. In garden contexts it forms compact, clump-forming rosettes of narrow, arching leaves with flower stems carried well above the foliage from June to September. Plant in full sun on fertile, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Provide soil that remains moisture-retentive through the summer growing season but drains freely in winter; a south- or west-facing position is ideal. It tolerates exposed sites as well as more sheltered spots and sits in hardiness bands H4–H6 (average to very hardy) and USDA zones 5–9, so it withstands most UK winters with reasonable siting. Use Kniphofia alooides 'Buttercup' at the back of borders, in gravel or rock gardens, in wildlife-friendly schemes or as a source of cut flowers. The upright inflorescences are produced for several months and lift the design height of a border while offering strong stems for cutting during the June to September flowering season.
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 'Buttercup' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, wildlife gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia alooides 'Buttercup'
- 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 'Buttercup'?
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 'Buttercup'?
Kniphofia alooides 'Buttercup' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia alooides 'Buttercup' need?
Kniphofia alooides 'Buttercup' 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 'Buttercup'?
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 'Buttercup' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia alooides 'Buttercup' 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 'Buttercup'?
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'