Overview
Kniphofia 'Wrexham Buttercup' 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 'Wrexham Buttercup' 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.
About
Kniphofia 'Wrexham Buttercup' is a clump-forming, upright perennial red-hot poker valued for its summer flowering from June to September. It carries narrow, arching strap-shaped or grassy leaves that remain as a low mound beneath the flower stems. Plant where it receives full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acid reaction. Prefers a south or west-facing site that stays moist in summer but drains freely over winter.
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 member of the Asphodelaceae, Kniphofia 'Wrexham Buttercup' belongs to a genus native to Africa and grown for its tall summer flower display. Give it a bright, sunny position; a south or west-facing border suits it best, and it tolerates both exposed and more sheltered spots provided the soil meets its needs. Seedlings and divisions establish more readily in fertile sandy or loamy soil with neutral to slightly acid pH and steady moisture through the growing season. Hardiness is H4–H6, which translates to average to very hardy in UK terms (suitable across much of the country outside the most exposed sites). Plant on a gentle slope or raised line if your winter soil stays wet, because the crown prefers to sit in free-draining conditions during dormancy. Use it at the back of perennial borders, for cutting stems, or to bring nectar resources into wildlife-minded beds. After flowering, leave the stems until they finish seeding and then cut back to the crown to tidy the clump and reveal the narrow, arching leaves through autumn.
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 'Wrexham Buttercup' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, cut flowers, wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Wrexham Buttercup'
- 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 'Wrexham Buttercup'?
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 'Wrexham Buttercup'?
Kniphofia 'Wrexham Buttercup' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Wrexham Buttercup' need?
Kniphofia 'Wrexham Buttercup' 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 'Wrexham Buttercup'?
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 'Wrexham Buttercup' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Wrexham Buttercup' 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 'Wrexham Buttercup'?
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'