Overview
Kniphofia 'Maid of Orleans' 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 'Maid of Orleans' 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 'Maid of Orleans' is a clump-forming, upright perennial that produces tall flower spikes from June to September. Foliage may be evergreen or deciduous, with narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves. It favours full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Plant where soil holds moisture in summer but drains freely in winter, on a south- or west-facing site.
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 'Maid of Orleans' is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for its long-flowering summer spikes (flowering June to September). The plant forms upright clumps with narrow, strap-like to grassy leaves that can be evergreen or die back seasonally. Position it in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil; neutral to slightly acid conditions suit it best. Choose a south- or west-facing spot and avoid waterlogged winter soils by ensuring good drainage. The range H4–H6 means it is rated average to very hardy in UK terms, and its USDA hardiness of 5–9 shows it tolerates a broad climatic range. It will establish in both exposed and sheltered sites, but requires soil that retains moisture through the summer months when it is actively flowering and setting stems. Reduce winter wet around the crown to prevent rot. Use Kniphofia 'Maid of Orleans' towards the middle or rear of a border for summer and late-summer colour, or grow where you can cut its stems for florist use; it is listed for borders, cut flowers and wildlife gardens. Its upright flower spikes provide nectar-producing stems that work well for late-season displays and for cutting into vases.
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 'Maid of Orleans' 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 'Maid of Orleans'
- 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 'Maid of Orleans'?
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 'Maid of Orleans'?
Kniphofia 'Maid of Orleans' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Maid of Orleans' need?
Kniphofia 'Maid of Orleans' 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 'Maid of Orleans'?
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 'Maid of Orleans' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Maid of Orleans' 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 'Maid of Orleans'?
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'