Overview
Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry' is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Kniphofia, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, coastal gardens and cottage and informal gardens.
About
Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry' is a cultivar of Kniphofia, a genus of perennial flowering plants native to Africa and belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. This cultivar features a columnar upright habit and semi-evergreen foliage. It thrives in full sun and is suitable for south- or west-facing aspects, tolerating both exposed and sheltered conditions. It prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H5, 'Dorset Sentry' is ideal for flower borders, coastal gardens, and cottage or informal garden settings. Propagation is by division of established clumps or offshoots from the crown in late spring.
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
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry' size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Coastal gardens, Cottage and informal gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry'
- Propagation
- Division of established clumps in late spring, Offshoots from the crown
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Thrips, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry'?
Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry' need?
Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Dorset Sentry' 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 'Dorset Sentry'?
Division of established clumps in late spring, Offshoots from the crown.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Kniphofia genus
- Kniphofia 'Royal Standard'red-hot poker 'Royal Standard'
- Kniphofia gracilisRed Hot Poker
- Kniphofia northiaegiant red-hot poker
- Kniphofia praecoxgreater red-hot poker
- Kniphofia rooperiRooper's red-hot poker
- Kniphofia rufaRed Hot Poker
- Kniphofia snowdeniiRed Hot Poker
- Kniphofia triangularisdwarf red-hot poker
