Overview
Kniphofia 'Goldfinch' 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 'Goldfinch' 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 'Goldfinch' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for its tall flowering spikes. Foliage is narrow, arching and strap-shaped or grassy and may be evergreen or deciduous. It flowers from June to September and performs best in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil that is moisture-retentive in summer yet free-draining in winter, in a south- or west-facing spot.
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 'Goldfinch' belongs to the genus Kniphofia in the Asphodelaceae and is cultivated for its upright summer flower spikes. Leaves are narrow and strap-like or grassy, evergreen or deciduous depending on conditions, and produce the vertical flowering stems that rise above the clump. Flowering runs from June to September. Plant it in full sun on a fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. The soil should hold moisture through the summer but drain well over winter; that balance helps crowns avoid winter wet while giving good summer vigour. A south- or west-facing aspect suits the species, and it will tolerate both exposed and sheltered sites. Hardiness is given as H4–H6 (average to very hardy) and USDA 5–9, so it will survive ordinary UK winters in most garden situations. Use Kniphofia 'Goldfinch' at the back of mixed borders for vertical emphasis, in wildlife-friendly planting where nectar-rich spikes can attract pollinators, or cut the flower stems for summer arrangements. Its form and flowering period make it a useful structural plant for summer colour between June and September.
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 'Goldfinch' 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 'Goldfinch'
- 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 'Goldfinch'?
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 'Goldfinch'?
Kniphofia 'Goldfinch' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Goldfinch' need?
Kniphofia 'Goldfinch' 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 'Goldfinch'?
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 'Goldfinch' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Goldfinch' 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 'Goldfinch'?
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 'Erecta'red-hot poker 'Erecta'
- Kniphofia 'Goldelse'red-hot poker 'Goldelse'