Overview

Kniphofia 'Goldelse' 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 'Goldelse' 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, rock gardens, pollinator gardens and cut flowers.

About

Kniphofia 'Goldelse' is a clump-forming perennial carrying upright flower spikes from June to September. Leaves are narrow and strap-shaped to grassy and may be evergreen or die back seasonally. It performs best in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy ground that stays moist in summer but drains in winter. Position it facing south or west for the best display.

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 'Goldelse' is a clump-forming, upright perennial with narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves that can be evergreen or deciduous. Flower spikes appear June to September, rising clear of the foliage and lending height and vertical interest to herbaceous beds. Plant in full sun on a fertile, sandy or loamy soil that is neutral to slightly acid. The root run prefers moisture-retentive conditions through the growing season but must not sit in water over winter; choose a free-draining site or raise the planting level to avoid winter saturation. It is rated H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so it survives most UK winters, although the least exposed sites are sensible where winters are cold and wet. Use Kniphofia 'Goldelse' in sunny mixed borders, rock gardens and pollinator areas, and cut stems for summer arrangements. A south- or west-facing spot makes the best flowering display, and the upright spikes keep their utility as cut flowers long after they open.

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 'Goldelse' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump-forming, upright

Foliage

Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy

Suggested uses

Borders, rock gardens, pollinator gardens, cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Goldelse'

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

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 'Goldfinch'Red Hot Poker