Overview
Kniphofia 'Erecta' 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 'Erecta' 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. Suggested uses include borders, cut flowers and wildlife gardens.
About
Kniphofia 'Erecta' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae that flowers from June to September. It carries narrow, arching, strap-shaped leaves and forms distinct vertical growth. Plant in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Keep soil moist through the summer but ensure good winter drainage and a south- or west-facing position.
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 'Erecta' is a perennial with an upright, clump-forming habit and narrow, strap-shaped foliage. It flowers from June to September, producing long-lasting display through the summer months. The cultivar belongs to the Kniphofia group of perennials and is grown principally for its summer flowering period. Give it full sun in fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid reaction. Roots need moisture-retentive conditions while shoots are actively growing in summer, but the soil must drain freely in winter to avoid winter wet. A south- or west-facing spot suits it best and the plant tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions. Hardiness is given as H4–H6 (average to very hardy) and USDA 5–9, so it will withstand a wide range of UK garden conditions provided winter drainage is adequate. Use Kniphofia 'Erecta' towards the back of borders where upright habit can be shown off, and it also serves as a source of summer stems for cutting. It fits well into mixed perennial schemes, perennial borders and wildlife-oriented plantings noted for summer interest. Flowering from June to September provides a reliable run of summer stems for vases.
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 'Erecta' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, cut flowers, wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Erecta'
- 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 'Erecta'?
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 'Erecta'?
Kniphofia 'Erecta' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Erecta' need?
Kniphofia 'Erecta' 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 'Erecta'?
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 'Erecta' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Erecta' 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 'Erecta'?
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 'Goldelse'red-hot poker 'Goldelse'
- Kniphofia 'Goldfinch'Red Hot Poker