About
Kniphofia uvaria, the red-hot poker, is a herbaceous perennial reaching approximately 120 cm in height when in flower, with green, linear, strap-like leaves and upright spikes of tubular orange flowers emerging from fiery-red buds in summer and autumn. The original species from which many garden cultivars have been bred � a bold and reliable plant for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Kniphofia, the red-hot pokers or torch lilies, may be evergreen or herbaceous perennials with linear or strap-shaped leaves and erect stems bearing a dense raceme of tubular, usually pendent flowers in shades of red, orange, yellow, cream and green. Bold and ornamental plants for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Architectural, Coastal
Native toSouth Africa (SW Cape)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in full sun and fertile, moist but well-drained soil that isn’t too wet over winter. See kniphofia cultivation for further advice
PruningCut down old flower stems after flowering; old or dead leaves can be tidied up or removed in mid-spring
PropagationPropagate by division of established clumps in late spring or by taking offshoots from the crown
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, thrips, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free