Overview
Kniphofia 'Jenny Bloom' 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 'Jenny Bloom' 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, containers and pollinator gardens.
About
Kniphofia 'Jenny Bloom' is a clump-forming, upright perennial that bears torch-like flower spikes above grassy, strap-shaped foliage. The leaves are narrow and arching and may be evergreen or deciduous. Flowering occurs from June to September. It prefers full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH.
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
A member of the genus Kniphofia in the family Asphodelaceae, Kniphofia 'Jenny Bloom' forms upright clumps of narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves. Flower spikes rise well above the foliage and appear through the summer, making the plant an architectural element in herbaceous borders and larger containers. Select a sunny, south- or west-facing position and plant into fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid reaction. Keep the root run moist during the summer growing season but ensure the site drains freely in winter to avoid waterlogging. The cultivar tolerates a range of exposures from sheltered to exposed and suits gardens graded H4–H6 (average to very hardy); it also corresponds roughly to USDA zones 5–9. Use Kniphofia 'Jenny Bloom' where you need height and seasonal nectar sources: it performs well in mixed perennial borders, larger patio pots and pollinator-focused beds. The upright habit and prolonged summer flowering period give clear vertical definition, while the clump-forming habit keeps individual plants neat in a border or container planting. The flower spikes remain above the foliage from June to September, providing long-season vertical emphasis.
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 'Jenny Bloom' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, containers, pollinator gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Jenny Bloom'
- 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 'Jenny Bloom'?
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 'Jenny Bloom'?
Kniphofia 'Jenny Bloom' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Jenny Bloom' need?
Kniphofia 'Jenny Bloom' 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 'Jenny Bloom'?
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 'Jenny Bloom' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Jenny Bloom' 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 'Jenny Bloom'?
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'