Overview
Kniphofia 'Tawny King' is a bushy perennial in the genus Kniphofia, part of the Asphodelaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Kniphofia 'Tawny King' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include flower borders and beds, coastal and gravel garden.
About
Kniphofia 'Tawny King' is a well‑branched Kniphofia cultivar that flowers from June to September. It carries deciduous foliage and prefers full sun on loam or sandy soils kept moist but well‑drained. Plant on a south- or west-facing site where exposure may be either sheltered or exposed. Its H5 rating indicates it is classed as hardy for most UK situations.
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 'Tawny King' is a cultivar of the Kniphofia genus, a group of plants of African origin. It forms a well‑branched clump with deciduous leaves and produces its main floral display between June and September. Place 'Tawny King' in full sun on loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral reaction. The soil should retain moisture without waterlogging; mulch can help maintain even moisture in loam, while sandy sites benefit from some organic matter to hold water. The plant tolerates both sheltered and exposed positions and is rated H5 (hardy) in the UK, so it withstands typical winter conditions across much of the country. Use it where vertical summer interest is needed: flower borders and beds, gravel drifts and coastal plots are all suitable. Its tolerance of exposed sites makes it useful near the sea, while a south- or west-facing bank will give the best flowering display from June to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Kniphofia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Kniphofia 'Tawny King' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Flower borders and beds, Coastal, Gravel garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Tawny King'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun; water moderately; protect from severe frost
- Pruning
- Cut back foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Division of established clumps in late spring, Offshoots from the crown
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Thrips, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Kniphofia 'Tawny King'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun; water moderately; protect from severe frost.
Where is the best place to plant Kniphofia 'Tawny King'?
Kniphofia 'Tawny King' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Tawny King' need?
Kniphofia 'Tawny King' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Kniphofia 'Tawny King'?
Cut back foliage after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Kniphofia 'Tawny King' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Tawny King' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Kniphofia 'Tawny King'?
Division of established clumps in late spring, Offshoots from the crown.
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'