Overview
Kniphofia gracilis 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 gracilis 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 and and naturalistic planting schemes.. It is native to South Africa.
About
Kniphofia gracilis is a clump-forming, upright perennial from South Africa that flowers from June to September. Leaves are narrow and strap-shaped or grassy and may be evergreen or deciduous. It favours a sunny, south- or west-facing position in fertile sandy or loamy soil. Plant where soil holds moisture in summer but drains freely through winter.
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 gracilis is a perennial member of the Asphodelaceae native to South Africa, forming upright clumps of narrow, arching leaves that can be evergreen or deciduous. It produces its main display in the warmer months, flowering from June to September. Choose a site in full sun on a south- or west-facing bank or border to give it the best season of bloom. Soil should be fertile, sandy or loamy and neutral to slightly acid; the plant prefers moisture-retentive conditions in summer but must not sit in waterlogged winter soil. The species is given a UK hardiness range of H4–H6, which translates as average to very hardy, so it will cope with typical garden winters where soil is free-draining over the colder months. Use Kniphofia gracilis at the back of mixed borders, on gravelly slopes or in naturalistic plantings where upright habit and grassy foliage provide structure. It suits both exposed and sheltered locations; position it where the base dries between wet spells and the crown is not waterlogged. Flowering runs from June to September, offering a steady summer presence above the foliage.
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 gracilis 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, and naturalistic planting schemes.
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia gracilis
- 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 gracilis?
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 gracilis?
Kniphofia gracilis prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia gracilis need?
Kniphofia gracilis 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 gracilis?
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 gracilis hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia gracilis 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 gracilis?
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 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'
- Kniphofia 'Goldfinch'Red Hot Poker