Overview
Kniphofia alooides caulescens 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 caulescens 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 caulescens is a clump-forming, upright perennial that bears tall flowering spikes well above narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves. Foliage can be evergreen or deciduous depending on conditions. It prefers full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Flowering runs from June to September.
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 caulescens is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae that forms upright clumps of narrow, strap-shaped or grassy leaves, with flower spikes rising clear of the foliage. The species suits gardeners who want vertical summer structure from June to September without a sprawling habit. Plant in a sunny, south- or west-facing spot on fertile, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Keep the root area moisture-retentive through the summer flowering season but ensure the soil is well drained over winter to avoid waterlogging. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered situations, so it will cope with breezy sites as well as more protected beds. Hardiness ranges H4–H6 (average to very hardy) in UK terms, equivalent to USDA 5–9, so siting and winter drainage are more important in colder or wetter microclimates than absolute temperature. Use it where an upright, architectural perennial is needed at the back of a border or in a dedicated perennial bed. Expect the upright spikes to appear above the leaves 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 caulescens 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 caulescens
- 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 caulescens?
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 caulescens?
Kniphofia alooides caulescens prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia alooides caulescens need?
Kniphofia alooides caulescens 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 caulescens?
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 caulescens hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia alooides caulescens 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 caulescens?
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'