Overview
Kniphofia uvaria 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. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Kniphofia uvaria 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, cut flowers and wildlife gardens. It is native to South Africa (SW Cape).
About
Kniphofia uvaria is a clump-forming perennial with an upright habit and narrow, strap-shaped leaves. It produces tall flowering stems to about 2.0 m and flowers from June to September. Leaves may be evergreen or die back seasonally, often forming a grassy, arching clump through the growing season. Plants suit sunny, south- or west-facing sites in fertile, sandy or loamy soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Kniphofia uvaria
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 uvaria originates from the south‑west Cape of South Africa and forms upright clumps of narrow, strap-shaped leaves. In UK gardens it produces tall flowering stems and provides a summer display from June to September. Plants may be evergreen or die back, depending on site and winter conditions. Plant in a sunny, south- or west-facing position in fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid pH. Keep the soil moisture-retentive through the summer but ensure free drainage over winter to avoid root rot; exposure can be exposed or sheltered. It is hardy in UK ratings H4–H6, which equates to average to very hardy and makes it suitable for most garden locations where winters are not persistently waterlogged. Use Kniphofia uvaria at the back of borders for vertical structure, in wildlifefriendly schemes where its summer stems attract pollinators, or for cutting. Give plants room in a sunny sector and avoid heavy, poorly drained winter soil to maintain healthy crowns. Tall stems suit cutting for summer displays.
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 uvaria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, cut flowers, wildlife gardens
- Native to
- South Africa (SW Cape)
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia uvaria
- 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 uvaria?
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 uvaria?
Kniphofia uvaria prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia uvaria need?
Kniphofia uvaria 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 uvaria?
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.
How big does Kniphofia uvaria grow?
Kniphofia uvaria reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Kniphofia uvaria hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia uvaria 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 uvaria?
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'