Overview
Kniphofia snowdenii 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 snowdenii 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
An upright, clump-forming perennial in the Asphodelaceae, Kniphofia snowdenii carries narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves and flowers from June to September. It can be evergreen or deciduous depending on conditions and produces a vigorous, upright habit. Position it in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil that stays moist in summer but drains in winter. A south- or west-facing spot, exposed or sheltered, suits it best.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Kniphofia thomsonii
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
An upright, clump-forming perennial in the Asphodelaceae, Kniphofia snowdenii combines narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy foliage with a summer flowering season from June to September. It may be evergreen or deciduous according to site and climate and is commonly grown for its tall, architectural presence in summer beds. Plant in full sun on a fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Soils should hold moisture through the summer months yet shed excess water in winter; poor winter drainage will risk crown problems. A south- or west-facing position is recommended and the species tolerates both exposed and sheltered locations. In UK hardiness terms H4–H6 equates to average to very hardy, so it will survive typical garden winters across much of Britain provided crowns are kept dry over the coldest months. Use Kniphofia snowdenii where upright form is needed — at the back of a sunny border, as a vertical accent among lower perennials, or in a sunny mixed bed on loamy or sandy soils. Give roots room to develop and avoid waterlogged winter soils; cut back any frost-damaged foliage in early spring to clear the crown and reveal fresh growth for the coming season.
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 snowdenii 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 snowdenii
- 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 snowdenii?
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 snowdenii?
Kniphofia snowdenii prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia snowdenii need?
Kniphofia snowdenii 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 snowdenii?
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 snowdenii hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia snowdenii 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 snowdenii?
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'