Overview
Kniphofia 'Underway' 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 'Underway' 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 'Underway' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for tall terminal flower spikes that rise above narrow, arching, strap-shaped foliage. Leaves may be evergreen or deciduous depending on conditions. It performs best in full sun on south or west-facing sites in fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Flowering runs from June to September and the plant is rated H4–H6 (average to very hardy).
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 'Underway' is an upright, clump-forming perennial in the Asphodelaceae with narrow, arching or strap-shaped leaves that can be evergreen or deciduous. The growth habit places its flowering stalks well above the foliage, providing clear vertical accents during summer. It flowers from June to September. Plant it in a sunny spot; full sun is recommended, ideally on a south or west-facing aspect where the soil is fertile, sandy or loamy and neutral to slightly acid. Keep soil moisture in mind: the crown benefits from moisture-retentive conditions through the summer but requires good drainage over winter to avoid waterlogging. The species copes with both exposed and sheltered sites and carries a UK hardiness rating of H4–H6 (H4 = average, H5 = hardy, H6 = very hardy), corresponding to USDA zones 5–9. Use Kniphofia 'Underway' where tall, vertical blooms are wanted — the back of a mixed border, alongside a sunny path or near a terrace where the stems can be seen from a distance. Its architectural spikes give summer height without wide spread, and flowering stems stand clearly above the narrow leaves 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 'Underway' 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 'Underway'
- 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 'Underway'?
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 'Underway'?
Kniphofia 'Underway' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Underway' need?
Kniphofia 'Underway' 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 'Underway'?
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 'Underway' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Underway' 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 'Underway'?
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'