Overview
Kniphofia 'Royal Standard' 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 'Royal Standard' 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, beds, containers and and as a striking architectural plant in gardens..
About
Kniphofia 'Royal Standard' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae, notable for its tall, upright flower spikes. Leaves are narrow and strap-shaped and may be evergreen or die back seasonally. It prefers full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and moisture-retentive conditions in summer while draining in winter. Flowering in the UK runs from 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 'Royal Standard' is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the Asphodelaceae, native to Africa, which produces tall flowering spikes well above its grassy, strap-like leaves. Flower colour moves through red, orange and yellow and is often bicoloured, giving extended visual impact through the summer months. Plant this cultivar in full sun on a south- or west-facing site with fertile sandy or loamy soil and a neutral to slightly acid pH. Keep the rootzone reliably moist while the plant is actively growing and flowering, but make sure the soil drains freely over winter to prevent waterlogging. The species tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions and is rated H4–H6 (average to very hardy) in the UK; it also corresponds to USDA zones 5–9. Use Kniphofia 'Royal Standard' in mixed borders, beds, large containers or where a vertical accent is required. It suits locations where its upright spikes can be viewed from paths or seating areas; flowering extends from June to September, when the spikes rise clearly above the foliage.
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 'Royal Standard' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, beds, containers, and as a striking architectural plant in gardens.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Royal Standard'
- 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 'Royal Standard'?
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 'Royal Standard'?
Kniphofia 'Royal Standard' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Royal Standard' need?
Kniphofia 'Royal Standard' 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 'Royal Standard'?
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 'Royal Standard' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Royal Standard' 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 'Royal Standard'?
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 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'
- Kniphofia 'Goldfinch'Red Hot Poker