Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
[ny-FOE-fee-ah]

Deciduous Perennial in the Xanthorrhoeaceae Family
 

Kniphofia, commonly known as red-hot poker or torch lily, is a genus of perennial plants that is renowned for its striking, spiky inflorescences in vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Originating from southern Africa, these plants are known for their architectural form and ability to add bold, fiery accents to garden beds, borders, and containers.

The key features of Kniphofia include:

Inflorescences: The defining characteristic of Kniphofia is its tall, cylindrical flower spikes that can reach up to 4 feet in height. These spikes are densely packed with small, tubular flowers that bloom in a range of warm, fiery hues, creating an eye-catching, torch-like appearance.

Foliage: Kniphofia plants produce dense clumps of narrow, linear leaves that can reach 1-2 feet in length. The foliage is typically a deep, glossy green, providing an attractive backdrop for the vivid flower spikes.

Growth Habit: Most Kniphofia species and cultivars form a dense, tufted growth habit, with the foliage and flower stalks emerging directly from the crown of the plant. Their upright, architectural form makes them well-suited for use as focal points, accent plants, and in mixed perennial borders.

Cultural Requirements: Kniphofia plants generally thrive in full sun and well-drained soil conditions. They are drought-tolerant once established and can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9, depending on the specific cultivar.

Overall, Kniphofia is a bold and distinctive perennial that brings a touch of the tropics to temperate gardens with its vibrant, flame-like inflorescences and architectural presence.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 3 - 4 feet tall. 24 - 36 inches wide.
Moisture Tolerance Medium -
Zones 5a - 9b (Usually hardy to -20° F)
Tags Deciduous, Full Sun, Medium, Perennial
Bloom Period July - August
Flower Color Shades of red, orange, and yellow.
 

More Info from Experts

Photos of This with...

Firefly Peach Sky, Truffula Pink Globe Amaranth, Luscious Citrus Blend Lantana, Lemon Coral Stonecrop
 


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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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