Overview
Kniphofia 'Modesta' of gardens 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 'Modesta' of gardens 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 rock gardens.
About
Kniphofia 'Modesta' of gardens is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae, commonly called Red Hot Poker. It produces narrow, strap-shaped or grassy leaves that may be evergreen or die back seasonally. Plant in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH and position on a south- or west-facing aspect. Flowering runs June to September.
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 'Modesta' of gardens is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae with narrow, arching strap-shaped or grassy leaves that can be evergreen or deciduous. The growth habit makes neat architectural clumps suited to defined positions rather than sprawling ground cover. Give this Red Hot Poker a sunny site and fertile, sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid reaction. It prefers soil that remains moisture-retentive through the summer months but drains freely in winter; poor winter drainage increases the risk of crown rot. A south- or west-facing position helps keep the crown dry and encourages the best flowering, and it tolerates both exposed and sheltered locations. Hardiness is H4–H6 (average to very hardy) and aligns with USDA zones 5–9, so it withstands most UK winters where soils are not waterlogged. Use it in the back of borders to provide vertical contrast, in a mixed perennial scheme for cutting, or in gravel and rock garden pockets with good drainage. Flowering runs June to September, supplying a steady period of bloom through the summer months.
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 'Modesta' of gardens 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, rock gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Modesta' of gardens
- 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 'Modesta' of gardens?
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 'Modesta' of gardens?
Kniphofia 'Modesta' of gardens prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Modesta' of gardens need?
Kniphofia 'Modesta' of gardens 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 'Modesta' of gardens?
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 'Modesta' of gardens hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Modesta' of gardens 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 'Modesta' of gardens?
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'