Overview
Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' 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 'Samuel's Sensation' 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, flower beds and and as a striking focal point in garden designs..
About
Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for its summer flowering. It carries narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves that may be evergreen or deciduous according to conditions. The plant favours full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH and needs moisture through the summer while remaining well drained over winter. Position it on a south or west-facing site where it can act as a strong focal point in borders and flower beds.
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 'Samuel's Sensation' sits in the genus Kniphofia within the Asphodelaceae and is cultivated as a perennial with an upright, clump-forming habit. It is valued for a long summer display and reliably flowers between June and September in the UK. Choose a site in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil; a neutral to slightly acid pH suits it best. The soil should retain moisture through the summer months but drain freely in winter to avoid waterlogging around the crowns. A south- or west-facing aspect is ideal, and the plant will tolerate exposed or more sheltered positions. In hardiness terms it sits in H4–H6 (average to very hardy) for the UK and corresponds to USDA zones 5–9. Use Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' where its upright, clump-forming habit can be shown off: mixed borders, dedicated flower beds and as a focal point in garden schemes. It works well placed so that the flowering can be appreciated from a path or patio, and its long June–September season helps link early and late summer plants in a border.
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 'Samuel's Sensation' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, flower beds, and as a striking focal point in garden designs.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation'
- 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 'Samuel's Sensation'?
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 'Samuel's Sensation'?
Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' need?
Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' 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 'Samuel's Sensation'?
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 'Samuel's Sensation' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' 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 'Samuel's Sensation'?
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'