Overview

Kniphofia 'Redstart' 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 'Redstart' 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.

About

Kniphofia 'Redstart' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae that carries tall flower spikes above narrow, strap-shaped leaves. The foliage may be evergreen or deciduous and is typically narrow and arching. It prefers full sun and flowers in the UK from June to September. Plant in fertile sandy or loamy soil that stays moist in summer but drains in 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 'Redstart' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae with narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves that can be evergreen or die back seasonally. The growth habit produces upright spikes that are held well above the foliage, making the plant read as architectural in a summer border. Flowering runs from June to September in the UK. Give Kniphofia 'Redstart' a sunny, south- or west-facing spot and a fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. The soil should retain moisture through the summer growing season but be free-draining over winter to protect the crowns. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions and sits within UK hardiness ratings H4–H6 (average to very hardy); in USDA terms the equivalent range is zones 5–9. Siting choices include the back of a sunny herbaceous border or alongside a south-facing wall where the upright flower stems will be visible above lower plants. Prune away any winter-damaged leaves in spring to tidy the clump, and expect the flower spikes to rise conspicuously above the foliage during the June to September flowering period.

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 'Redstart' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial

Habit

Clump-forming, upright

Foliage

Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Redstart'

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

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'