Overview
Kniphofia 'Snow Maiden' 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 'Snow Maiden' 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 architectural garden features.
About
Kniphofia 'Snow Maiden' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for summer flower interest. It bears narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves that may be evergreen or deciduous. Plant in full sun in fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH, and expect blooms from June to September. It suits south- or west-facing positions and is used in borders, as an architectural feature and for cut flowers.
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 'Snow Maiden' belongs to the genus Kniphofia (Asphodelaceae), a group of perennial plants with origins in Africa. This cultivar forms an upright clump of narrow, strap-like leaves that can be evergreen or die back in winter depending on situation. Flowering runs from June to September, producing the season-long presence that makes this group noticeable in summer borders. Grow it in full sun on a fertile, sandy or loamy soil kept moist through the summer but free-draining in winter; a neutral to slightly acid pH is best. It tolerates exposed sites as well as more sheltered spots and is hardy to H4–H6 (average to very hardy across much of the UK) and USDA zones 5–9. Avoid heavy winter waterlogging; freely draining soil through the dormant months reduces crown rot risk while summer moisture supports bud and flower development. Use Kniphofia 'Snow Maiden' at the back of a sunny border where its upright habit provides structure, as a focal architectural element in a gravel or Mediterranean-style bed, or grown for cutting. Stems taken at peak bloom between June and September yield long-lasting material for vases, reflecting its listed use as a cut flower.
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 'Snow Maiden' 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, architectural garden features
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Snow Maiden'
- 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 'Snow Maiden'?
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 'Snow Maiden'?
Kniphofia 'Snow Maiden' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Snow Maiden' need?
Kniphofia 'Snow Maiden' 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 'Snow Maiden'?
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 'Snow Maiden' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Snow Maiden' 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 'Snow Maiden'?
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'