Overview
Kniphofia 'Tubergeniana' 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 'Tubergeniana' 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, perennial beds, wildlife gardens and cut flowers.
About
Kniphofia 'Tubergeniana' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae that flowers from June to September. It bears narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy leaves and may be evergreen or deciduous. Grow it in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH, keeping the soil moisture-retentive in summer but well drained in winter. It suits south- or west-facing, exposed or sheltered positions and is rated H4–H6 for UK hardiness.
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 'Tubergeniana' is a perennial in the Asphodelaceae with an upright, clump-forming habit and narrow, strap-shaped or grassy leaves that can be evergreen or deciduous. It flowers from June to September, making it a summer-flowering choice for adding vertical presence to mixed planting. Give it full sun and a fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. The soil should retain moisture over the summer growing season but dry and drain freely through winter; siting on a south- or west-facing bank or in a raised bed helps achieve that balance. The plant tolerates both exposed and sheltered spots and carries a UK hardiness rating of H4–H6 (average to very hardy), equivalent to USDA zones 5–9, so it will survive typical winter conditions in most UK gardens where winter drainage is adequate. Use Kniphofia 'Tubergeniana' in herbaceous borders, perennial beds or wildlife gardens, and as a source of cut flowers. Plant in groups for impact and avoid waterlogged winter soils; the long-stemmed summer blooms also make it useful for cutting into vases.
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 'Tubergeniana' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, perennial beds, wildlife gardens, cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Tubergeniana'
- 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 'Tubergeniana'?
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 'Tubergeniana'?
Kniphofia 'Tubergeniana' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Tubergeniana' need?
Kniphofia 'Tubergeniana' 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 'Tubergeniana'?
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 'Tubergeniana' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Tubergeniana' 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 'Tubergeniana'?
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'