Kniphofia tuckii of gardens (Red Hot Poker) — Clump-forming, upright

Overview

Kniphofia tuckii of gardens 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 tuckii of gardens 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

Kniphofia tuckii of gardens is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae with narrow, arching foliage that may be strap-shaped or grassy. Leaves can be evergreen or may die back, depending on conditions. It prefers full sun and fertile sandy or loamy soil that is neutral to slightly acid, keeping moisture in summer but draining freely in winter. It flowers from June to September.

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

A clump-forming, upright perennial of the genus Kniphofia, Kniphofia tuckii of gardens produces a dense basal tussock of narrow, arching leaves that may be evergreen or deciduous and vary from grassy to strap-shaped in character. The plant suits a sunny, south- or west-facing position where its foliage receives uninterrupted daylight. Position it in fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic reaction. Maintain summer moisture around the roots but ensure the site is well drained through the winter months to prevent prolonged waterlogging. It will tolerate exposed sites as well as sheltered spots, and the USDA hardiness range is 5–9; in UK H4–H6 corresponds to average to very hardy plants that will survive typical winter conditions across much of Britain. Choose a site where the clump can be left undisturbed for several seasons to develop. Give a generous root run when planting and avoid heavy, waterlogged ground in winter. It flowers from June to September.

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 tuckii of gardens 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 tuckii of gardens

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 tuckii of gardens?

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 tuckii of gardens?

Kniphofia tuckii of gardens prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Kniphofia tuckii of gardens need?

Kniphofia tuckii of gardens 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 tuckii of gardens?

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 tuckii of gardens hardy in the UK?

Kniphofia tuckii of gardens 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 tuckii of gardens?

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

Browse all Kniphofia →