Overview
Kniphofia triangularis subsp. triangularis 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 triangularis subsp. triangularis 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. It is native to South Africa.
About
Kniphofia triangularis subsp. triangularis is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae with grassy or strap-shaped leaves. It bears upright flower spikes of red, orange and yellow from June to September. The foliage may be evergreen or deciduous depending on conditions. Plant in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil that stays moist in summer but drains in winter.
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 triangularis subsp. triangularis originates from South Africa and belongs to the family Asphodelaceae. It forms upright clumps of narrow, arching leaves that can be either strap-shaped or grassy in appearance, and produces upright flower spikes in shades of red, orange and yellow between June and September. For best results place it in full sun on a south- or west-facing spot where the soil is fertile, sandy or loamy and neutral to slightly acid. Soil should retain moisture through the summer growing season but drain freely in winter to avoid crown wetness. The plant tolerates exposed positions as well as sheltered ones and is suitable for UK gardeners in H4–H6, which corresponds to average to very hardy garden conditions; it is also grown in USDA zones 5–9. Use this perennial to introduce vertical form at the rear of a sunny border or in a gravel or perennial bed where the upright flower stems can be seen above surrounding planting. Flowering from June to September gives a long season of colour that helps carry the border through mid to late summer.
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 triangularis subsp. triangularis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia triangularis subsp. triangularis
- 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 triangularis subsp. triangularis?
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 triangularis subsp. triangularis?
Kniphofia triangularis subsp. triangularis prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia triangularis subsp. triangularis need?
Kniphofia triangularis subsp. triangularis 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 triangularis subsp. triangularis?
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 triangularis subsp. triangularis hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia triangularis subsp. triangularis 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 triangularis subsp. triangularis?
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'