Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' (Red Hot Poker) — Bushy

Overview

Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' is a bushy perennial in the genus Kniphofia, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' 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 and gravel garden.

About

Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae that flowers from June to September. It forms a multi-stemmed, rounded clump with deciduous foliage. Plant it in full sun on loam or sandy soils that remain moist but are well-drained. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions on south- or west-facing sites.

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 'Ice Queen' is a perennial member of the Asphodelaceae valued for its extended summer flowering from June to September. The cultivar grows as a multi-stemmed, rounded clump with leaves that die back in winter, and it suits situations where a long seasonal display is wanted. Position plants in full sun on soils of loam or sand with an acid to neutral pH and consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging; the species prefers moist but well-drained conditions. It is rated H5 for the UK, meaning it is classed as hardy for most British gardens and will tolerate both exposed and sheltered sites. South- or west-facing aspects bring the best light and warmth for reliable flowering. Use Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' toward the middle or rear of flower borders and beds where its seasonal display can rise above lower planting, or include it in coastal and gravel gardens that match its soil and exposure needs. Flowering from June to September sits high above the deciduous leaves, giving a clear summer presence through the specified months.

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 'Ice Queen' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Flower borders and beds, Coastal, Gravel garden

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Ice Queen'

Cultivation: Plant in full sun on moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils. Tolerates exposed and sheltered positions on south- or west-facing sites.
Pruning: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming and maintain appearance.
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

How do I grow Kniphofia 'Ice Queen'?

Plant in full sun on moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils. Tolerates exposed and sheltered positions on south- or west-facing sites.

Where is the best place to plant Kniphofia 'Ice Queen'?

Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' need?

Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Kniphofia 'Ice Queen'?

Remove spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming and maintain appearance.

Is Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' hardy in the UK?

Kniphofia 'Ice Queen' 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 'Ice Queen'?

Division of established clumps in late spring, Offshoots from the crown.

More in the Kniphofia genus

Browse all Kniphofia →