- Hardy in Zones 5 through 9
- Drought tolerant
- Rabbit resistant
- Deer resistant
- Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
- Grows well in containers
- Evergreen
- Excellent cut flower
Planting and Growing
Kniphofia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for sunny borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, and naturalistic plantings. It also works well as a stand-alone accent plant. Heat and drought-tolerant, Red Hot Poker is perfectly suited for xeriscaping.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting and growing Kniphofia:
- Location
Choose a spot in your garden that receives full sunlight for at least six hours daily. Kniphofia prefers well-drained soil, so avoid planting in areas prone to waterlogging. - Soil
Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage and fertility. - Plant
Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your Kniphofia plant. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the crown is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole and gently firm the soil around the plant. - Water
Water newly planted Kniphofia thoroughly to help establish roots. Once established, water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. - Mulch
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth. In colder climates, provide winter protection by mulching around the base of the plant to insulate the roots from freezing temperatures. - Fertilize
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and flowering. - Maintain
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage new blooms and keep the plant tidy. Divide overcrowded clumps in the spring every few years to rejuvenate the plant.
Kniphofia Varieties
Kniphofia uvaria is the straight species and the classic Red Hot Poker. It features tall spikes of tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The flower spikes of the species and its cultivars are often multi or bi-colored, with the hot-hued florets blooming in layers along the spike, creating an ombre effect as the flowers mature. Red Hot Poker blooms from late spring to late summer. It grows up to 4 feet tall and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Some of our favorite cultivars include:
Kniphofia ‘Nobilis’
Height: 4-5 feet
Flower Color: Bright red to orange-yellow
Rebloomer: No
Kniphofia ‘Percy’s Pride’
Height: 3-4 feet
Flower Color: Pale yellow
Rebloomer: No
Kniphofia ‘Tawny King’
Height: 3-4 feet
Flower Color: Creamy white to pale orange
Rebloomer: Yes
Kniphofia ‘Papaya Popsicle’
Height: 1.5-2 feet
Flower Color: Bright orange-red
Rebloomer: Yes
Kniphofia ‘Mango Popsicle’
Height: 1.5-2 feet
Flower Color: Mango orange
Rebloomer: Yes
Kniphofia ‘Nancy’s Red’
Height: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: Scarlet red
Rebloomer: Yes
Kniphofia ‘Alcazar’
Height: 4-5 feet
Flower Color: Orange-red with yellow tips
Rebloomer: No
These varieties offer a range of heights and vibrant colors, with some providing the added benefit of reblooming, which can extend their flowering season!
Kniphofia, or Red Hot Poker, is a captivating addition to the perennial garden. These resilient plants offer striking blooms and architectural foliage throughout the summer months. Year after year, they reward gardeners with a spectacular display of color. Experiment with different varieties to create dynamic color schemes and enjoy the beauty and vibrancy that Kniphofia brings to your outdoor oasis.
