Overview
Kniphofia caulescens is a perennial in the genus Kniphofia, part of the Asphodelaceae family. Kniphofia caulescens grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho.
About
A perennial herbaceous plant with tall, erect stems bearing dense, cylindrical flower spikes of tubular flowers that are red to orange in color.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Kniphofia
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Exposure
- full
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Kniphofia caulescens size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, rock gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- Cape Provinces, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia caulescens
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms.
- Propagation
- Division, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Kniphofia caulescens?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Kniphofia caulescens?
Kniphofia caulescens prefers full sun. It suits full positions.
What soil does Kniphofia caulescens need?
Kniphofia caulescens grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Kniphofia caulescens?
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms.
Is Kniphofia caulescens hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia caulescens has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Kniphofia caulescens?
Division, seed.
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'