Overview
Kniphofia 'Star of Baden-Baden' 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 'Star of Baden-Baden' 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 rock gardens.
About
A clump-forming perennial, Kniphofia 'Star of Baden-Baden' has an upright habit with narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves. It flowers from June to September, producing long stems used as cut flowers. Plant it in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. South- or west-facing spots suit it, and it tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions.
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 'Star of Baden-Baden' is a perennial in the family Asphodelaceae that forms upright clumps with narrow, arching or strap-shaped leaves. Flowering runs from June to September, providing a reliable summer display and stems for cutting. Favor a sunny situation on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH; the plant performs best where soil holds moisture through the summer but drains freely over winter. Plant on a south- or west-facing aspect, whether in an exposed or a sheltered site. Hardiness is given as H4–H6, which corresponds to average to very hardy in UK terms (USDA 5–9). That range means it will survive typical winter conditions across most of the UK, though the driest winter soils suit the upper end of the rating. Position plants where they receive full sun and ensure summer moisture without waterlogging in winter to reduce crown rot risk. Use Kniphofia 'Star of Baden-Baden' at the back of borders, in mixed perennial beds or in rock garden pockets where its upright habit can be shown to advantage. It is valued for cut flowers; cut stems while the heads are well developed during the June to September flowering window for best vase life.
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 'Star of Baden-Baden' 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, rock gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Star of Baden-Baden'
- 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 'Star of Baden-Baden'?
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 'Star of Baden-Baden'?
Kniphofia 'Star of Baden-Baden' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Star of Baden-Baden' need?
Kniphofia 'Star of Baden-Baden' 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 'Star of Baden-Baden'?
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 'Star of Baden-Baden' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Star of Baden-Baden' 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 'Star of Baden-Baden'?
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'