About
Kniphofia caulescens, the caulescent red-hot poker, is an evergreen perennial to 1.2 m with short, stout stems bearing tufts of broad-based, grey-green leaves. Fat spikes of flowers open deep coral-red, soon fading to light lemon-yellow � one of the most ornamental and distinctive of the red-hot pokers for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Kniphofia, the red-hot pokers or torch lilies, may be evergreen or herbaceous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves and erect stems bearing a dense raceme of tubular, usually pendent flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, cream and green. Bold and ornamental plants for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Gravel garden
Native toSouth Africa, Lesotho
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun and fertile, moist but well-drained soil that isn’t too wet over winter. See kniphofia cultivation for further advice
PruningCut down old flower stems after flowering; old or dead leaves can be tidied up or removed in mid-spring
PropagationPropagate by division of established clumps in late spring. Propagate by taking offshoots from the crown
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, thrips, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free