Overview
Kniphofia 'Yellow Hammer' 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 'Yellow Hammer' 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, flower beds, wildlife gardens and cut flowers.
About
Kniphofia 'Yellow Hammer' is a clump-forming, upright perennial in the Asphodelaceae grown for its summer flowering. Leaves are narrow, arching and strap-shaped and may be evergreen or deciduous. Plant in a south- or west-facing spot in full sun on fertile sandy or loamy soil that stays moist through summer but drains in winter. It flowers from June to September and suits borders, flower beds and cutting.
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 cultivar of the genus Kniphofia, Kniphofia 'Yellow Hammer' forms upright clumps of narrow, strap-shaped foliage and produces a summer display of blooms. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae and is treated as a perennial for UK gardens. Grow it where it receives full sun on fertile, sandy or loamy ground; a neutral to slightly acid pH suits it best. The soil should retain moisture during the summer growing season yet drain freely over winter to avoid root rot. Sit the plant on a south- or west-facing aspect where it will get maximum sun; it tolerates both exposed and sheltered positions. Hardiness is H4–H6, which in plain terms means it copes with average to very hardy UK conditions and will survive winter where frost is not extreme. Give plants a sheltered root run or a light mulch in colder areas to add protection if needed. Use Kniphofia 'Yellow Hammer' in mixed borders and flower beds where its upright habit provides vertical contrast, and include it in wildlife-friendly planting for nectar sources. Flowering runs from June to September, and the blooms are suitable for cutting into summer arrangements.
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 'Yellow Hammer' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen or deciduous; narrow, arching, strap-shaped or grassy
- Suggested uses
- Borders, flower beds, wildlife gardens, cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Kniphofia 'Yellow Hammer'
- 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 'Yellow Hammer'?
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 'Yellow Hammer'?
Kniphofia 'Yellow Hammer' prefers full sun. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.
What soil does Kniphofia 'Yellow Hammer' need?
Kniphofia 'Yellow Hammer' 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 'Yellow Hammer'?
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 'Yellow Hammer' hardy in the UK?
Kniphofia 'Yellow Hammer' 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 'Yellow Hammer'?
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'