Overview
Kniphofia alooides 'Canary Bird' 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 'Canary Bird' 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 'Canary Bird' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae, offered under the common name Red Hot Poker. It bears narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves that may be evergreen or deciduous depending on conditions. Flowering occurs from June to September. The plant favours a sunny, south- or west-facing position and a fertile sandy or loamy soil that stays moist in summer but drains well in winter.
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 'Canary Bird' sits within the genus Kniphofia and forms upright clumps of strap-shaped leaves. Flowering runs from June to September, providing a summer display that follows its season of growth. The foliage can be evergreen in mild situations or die back in colder spells. Choose a site in full sun on fertile, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. The soil should retain moisture through the summer months while remaining well drained over winter; avoid positions liable to winter waterlogging. Aim for a south- or west-facing aspect where the plant will receive the most warmth and light. Plants tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations but perform best where winter wet is limited. Kniphofia alooides 'Canary Bird' is rated H4–H6 for UK hardiness (H4 = average, H5 = hardy, H6 = very hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 5–9, so it will suit most gardens that are not subject to extreme winter wet or prolonged severe frost. Provide summer moisture and good winter drainage and the plant will flower reliably 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 'Canary Bird' 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 'Canary Bird'
- 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 'Canary Bird'?
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 'Canary Bird'?
Kniphofia alooides 'Canary Bird' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia alooides 'Canary Bird' need?
Kniphofia alooides 'Canary Bird' 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 'Canary Bird'?
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 'Canary Bird' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia alooides 'Canary Bird' 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 'Canary Bird'?
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'