Papaya Popsicle Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia 'Papaya Popsicle')
ny-FOE-fee-ah pah-PY-ah Popsicle'

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

Tags Deciduous, Perennial
Flower Color

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Sombrero Blanco Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Becky Shasta Daisy
 
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


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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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!