Overview
Kniphofia rufa 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 rufa 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 ornamental borders, wildlife gardens and cut flowers. It is native to South Africa.
About
Kniphofia rufa is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the Asphodelaceae, commonly called Red Hot Poker. It has narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves and flowers during the summer months. Flowering occurs from June to September. It prefers full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil that is neutral to slightly acid.
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 rufa originates from South Africa and is grown for its summer flowering habit and architectural, upright clump. As a member of the Asphodelaceae it behaves as a perennial in the garden and is valued where strong vertical form and summer interest are needed. Flowering is reliably from June to September, which makes it useful for both borders and cutting. Plant Kniphofia rufa in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The soil should hold moisture through the summer but drain freely in winter to avoid winter root rot. Position it on a south- or west-facing site to maximise flowering; it will tolerate both exposed and sheltered locations. Hardiness is H4–H6 (average to very hardy), so it will survive most UK winters, and corresponds roughly to USDA zones 5–9. Use it at the back of ornamental borders, in wildlife-friendly beds where summer nectar sources are needed, or grow it for cut flowers. Give the planting a moisture-retentive root run for the growing season and ensure free winter drainage; the June–September flowering period supplies stems for cutting and adds summer presence to the bed.
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 rufa size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental borders, wildlife gardens, cut flowers
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia rufa
- 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 rufa?
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 rufa?
Kniphofia rufa prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia rufa need?
Kniphofia rufa 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 rufa?
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 rufa hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia rufa 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 rufa?
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 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