September 2nd, 2011
When I first got into gardening I was attacted to large blooming perennials, and planted mostly those. I have come a long way since then, namely I appreciate things like edibles more, interesting foliage, and length of bloom time as much as bloom shape, size, or color.
But sometimes that interest in large blooming perennials rears up. Enter Kniphofia, other wise known as Red Hot Poker plant. A few years ago on a walk I saw it in bloom, thought it looked cool, and wondered why I had never seen it before. I couldn't find a good source for plants, so I bought some seeds and started them.
How to Grow Kniphofia Plants Guide to Growing Red-hot-poker, Torch Lily, Tritoma, and Poker Plant. The genus Kniphofia contains hardy perennials that reach from 60 to 150 cm in height. They have grassy leaves, that give rise to long stems with a head of downward facing tubes of flowers. Zone This refers to the USDA hardiness zone assigned to each part of the country, based on the minimum winter temperature that a region typically experiences. Hardiness zone ranges are provided for all perennial plants and you should always choose plants that fall within your range.
Unlike many of my seed starting endeavors this worked out, and I transplanted them outside, and generally took care of them. Three years later they got big and bushy and were ready to bloom. For a perennial from seed that sort of length is typical. I was pretty excited as I watched the scapes rise.
- Plant them in front of an evergreen background, or as a stand alone specimen - and be sure they will draw the attention of all onlookers. Never plant your Red Hot Pokers with their crown deeper than 3 in. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage more blooms and protect their crowns in winter in hardiness 6.
- Soil: Red hot poker is tolerant of many soil types, but doesn't grow well in poorly-drained soil that stays soggy after watering or rains, especially in winter. They grow best in moist, compost amended soils that have a neutral or slightly acidic pH. Once established they can tolerate drier soils.
In the end this plant only bloomed for about three days, and it never got 'red hot' remaining more a muted salmon color at best. What is more it had the bloom habit of a gladiolus where the lower flowers bloom and close before the uppers open, so the whole 'poker' was never in bloom at once.
It bloomed for such a little amount of time, that I didn't get a chance to take a picture of it, so below you see it not in bloom.
Now, if I'm going to give roughly 4 or 5 square feet to a plant in my garden it better bloom for more than 3 days, or provide me something edible.
A few days after it had stopped blooming, I dug it up… oops.
A rabbit had taken advantage of the messy foliage mound and dug a burrow directly underneath it, which I had now destroyed. Luckily my shovel did not crush any of the 4 eyes-still-closed baby bunnies inside of it.
I reconstructed a fake burrow by cutting a black plastic nursery pot in half and then covering it with mulch. I placed the babies back inside and on advice put down markers so I could tell if the mother returned. After two days the mother had not returned so I took the babies to a local wildlife rescue place where they could be nursed. Apparently they were really closed to being weaned naturally, despite still having their eyes closed, so they had a good chance at survival I was told.
This just shows you never know what you'll find when digging in your garden, though next time I'd rather it be gold coins.
In the place of the horrible Red Hot Poker plant I ordered something truly hot, a double echinacea called ‘Hot Papaya'. Coneflowers have a long bloom period, which I like, but I dislike the big brown center on the standard coneflower. The double varietes are like much more attractive to me and I grow one of the original pink cultivars already. I noticed my neighbor had one of these the other day, and it was doing well, and it seems like it would be the perfect plant for the spot where the kniphofia was. I had originally wanted a nicely blooming bright red perennial for that spot after all.
- Garden Vince Says:
This is an exciting story. Finding those bunnies is truly unique and special that you were able to help them. Your right, gold coins would be nice too. Thank you for sharing, great pictures.
- Carol Watt Says:
I found some people also called Red Hot Poker as the Torch Lily. I do plant some in my garden and they spike 2-5″ high now with most of them are of ivory white. They simply gorgeous and seems to be a favorite of hummingbirds.
- Fertilizer Says:
That's a beautiful plant! Wow, do you know where I can get seeds? Online even?
- Texas Martin Says:
I have Red Hot Pokers in my garden. They are a blessing because they are so hardy and can handle the temperatures of Northern nevada. I have found that not watering directly over the plant helps to keep them green in winter.
- Veronika Says:
Those bunnies are so cute!!!
As for Kniphofia, I always saw it looking like in the first picture and I think it is a very wonderful plant. But maybe I would put it into less visible corner, if the flowers are so short-lived 🙂
- Jan Says:
Have you ever grown a pet plant that Moves when you Tickle It? I found the TickleMe Plant to be my favorite house plant to grow as the leaves fold and the branches fall down when Tickled. Just search Pet TickleMe plant to see it in action
- Pat Says:
I moved in to a property that is a gardening paradise, and VERY heavy on the lilies (probably over 100 lilies of varying species). I have to say, the Torch Lily is one of my favorites. The unique shape makes it a real conversation piece. No wonder the previous homeowner put it front and center! I would take a bunny burrow as a consolation prize, though.
- Shelley Says:
I planted a red hot poker in a large decorative pot on the side of our front porch. Beautiful plant. Have had a lot of blooms through the summer. Anxious to transplant and split this fall!
- sally smith Says:
Pokers need Heat and full sun to bloom well. in the pic you have them planted with Acanthus, which loves cooler spots, and shade. Not to be planted together, no wonder poker only bloomed for 3 days. Move to sunnier spot!!
- mia Says:
Love the story about the bunnies, I to have just purchased 2 bulbs and now I'm a little worried about planting then….. any suggestions please e-mail@pearl_oyster06@yahoo.com
- Debbie Jackson Says:
I have the red hot poker plants and I love them. They are beautiful when they bloom. They stay green all summer. People stop by our home and ask what they are. I don't have any problems with mold or bunnies. 🙂
- J Cunningham Says:
Last year I helped my daughter plant red hot pokers in the flower beds to the front of her home, western exposure. The front of her house gets so hot you can hardly touch the front door in summer. Needless to say, the red hot pokers flourished to the point where they almost took over the beds. We are digging them up this year and transplanting them to my home (I really love the plant but they can get huge and overpowering)where they will follow the fence line to my backyard. Great plant!
- Linda Says:
I think I just killed my red hot poker plants. I cut them down to 3 inches. Will they survive?
- Tamara Says:
I remember our neighbor planted torch lilies in the narrow garden between our property and theirs. I loved to watch the hummingbirds as they feasted on the plants. I have put out a hummingbird feeder for years but am trying to create a garden that will feed them naturally, since there has to be nutrients in the plant that sugar water doesn't supply (I do use raw sugar instead of white, processed sugar).
I bought a small torch lily plant last year and it now has three ‘pokers' and a fourth just sprouting. I planted them in a large pot on the edge of my patio where they would good sun exposure but would not take over my yard as the plant produced new growth. I love them and so do the hummingbirds.
- Ronnie Says:
I love this plant! Mine bloom for a very long time. I have two varieties, the early variety has wider leaves and started blooming last week. They didn't bloom the first year. the second variety blooms late summer and has very narrow leaves.
I like the color, the unusual shape and I love the texture of the spiky leaves, not unlike a pineapple. It adds a nice variety to the more rounded leaves of the other plants in my garden.
I mulch them in the winter as the Central New York winters can be pretty harsh.
- Judy Sink Says:
I grew this in my MI garden, and it was absolutely incredibly successful. And no bunny nests. I planted from root/rhizome though, not seed. It is possible yours just needed a couple more years to become the incredible plant it can become. Not sure where you garden. Mine bloomed from early July into November every year as long as I cut the spent flower stalks back. Otherwise, you are giving the plant the message to no longer grow because it has completed its life cycle for the growing season. Keep the spent flower stalks cut back, and the plant will put up new flower stalks. And the hummingbirds in my yard flocked to this plant!
- Michelle Says:
The red hot poker is by far my favorite. We are in PA and they are extremely cold hardy, no covering in winter. I love the tropical look they give. Mine bloom all summer into early fall if warm enough and they bloom non stop, we always have beautiful flowers and they're so bright, they're also virtually care free once rooted. By far the most beautiful and long lasting flower in my garden. Split well too, I got 4 huge ones and started with one. Enjoy!
- Jacki Says:
I have these red hot poker plants all over my yard. They obviously were planted by the previous owners and they just keep throwing up blooms every year without any help from me. I literally don't even notice them till they start blooming in Summer. I have even run over them with the lawn mower at times but they bounce back. I adore them. Mine are bright red beautiful looking flowers. Some of them have stalks up to 6 ft high. The climate here (Tasmania) is freezing cold most of the year but very warm in summer and they thrive in it. I recommend them. 🙂
- Steve McIlree Says:
If you deadhead Red Hot Pokers, they will continue to bloom throughout the entire summer.
- m.mcarthur Says:
Hello I am wondering if now is the time april to split up the red hot pokers. can I just dig round them & lift out I gather these are a bulb type. im new to these. thanks
- Doris Says:
My husband planted 6 Red Hot Poker plants that were given to us. The first year no flowers but figured that was the shock of being transplanted. This year we have flowers on each plant and have just deadheaded one and hoping they continue to bloom. My husband passed away Dec. 13, 2014 so he is not here to see his flowers but know he is looking down from Heaven on them.
- Brewtie Lawton Says:
I have a 12 by 12 bed clumps of red hot pokers . I've seen pictures of multiple blooms in a bed my size. I am only getting sparatic blooms . The bed has been established for 10 years or more. They get late morning and afternoon sun. I live in augusta ga. Why am I not getting large quantities of blooms?
- Georgia Says:
I love the Red Hot Poker flowers. Mine are in full sun all day untill the sun goes down. They always bloom. I didnt know you had to pinch off the spent blooms. I will from now on. Thanks for the tips.
- Michael Says:
I like my plants which are in my backyard planted
around a HUGE rock. I have had them for 20 years
now. The birds like them also, specially hummingbird and the occasionally Orchard Oriole which stops by. Mine have goes through it's cycle of color over weeks. However, no WABBITS yet ever
if they are running around else where in yard. How
do I get them to nest there? The nectar is tasty
also. Plant them folks and maintain them. My own opinion.Thank you.
- Helena Says:
I've been told that if you cut the stalks after the flowers are finished, it will grow new ones. I haven't tried this yet.
- Steve Says:
At 52 years old, I've never know the red hot pokers not to
Flourish and thrive. And mother and grandmother had them as long as I can remember. Grandmother had to separate at a minimum of every 3 years. They got HUGE and spread like crazy. Always loaded with blooms. Most of them they planted in the yard. Probably 70% in direct sun. 30% of them
In the back which NEVER got sun. Didn't have to did use as often but bloomed like crazy. And the cone was even more bright than the ones in the sun.
When my sister got married, she wasn't one to dig in the dirt, but she liked those flowers. She used big pots on the front porch. Never divided them, and the 4th year the roots broke 2 of the pots. I know have some at my house. In front, NO sun, in back 4-6 hrs a day, and bloom from about the first of May, till freeze each year. I thought they were like he mother in laws tongue,….couldn't kill them. - Pam Says:
Planted 2 torch lilies about 5 years ago. Didn't do well in the location, so I moved them 3 years ago. Flowered once in the new, sunnier location, and then basically seemed to die off. HOWEVER, in their exact places now thrive and bloom two deep purple Tradescantia… ??? I swear there were none planted near the first location, although I do have them in other beds around the yard. It is just so strange. I checked the morphology, and the two aren't related – Spiderwort native to the Americas, while Kniphofia are native to Africa. Conclude that seeds must have been either in the transplanted clump or the new bed soil. Wish I'd taken photos of the evolution!
- Judy Caudill Says:
While pulling out of my driveway today, I was looking at the front yard and couldn't believe what I saw but a red hot poker plant in full bloom growing in the middle of my day lilly. I've always wanted one but have never seen them for sale in my area. My neighbor across the street has several growing in his yard. Well I can only assume that a bird brought it over to my yard. I think I can guess how! So now I'll have to wait till the end of summer to see if I can dig it out and transplant it.
- Rich Says:
In response to the bunnies and the Red Hot Poker plants, we planted some this last spring and
They continue to meet expectations. I would think the blooms are being chewed off by the rabbits. If an edible is what is preferred, keep the Red Hot Pokers and enjoy some rabbit stew. - Lori Maarman Says:
My husband confused my red hot poker grass with chives and put some in his sour cream at a chili contest. He won!!
Now I see that it is toxic, Everyone had a few pieces on their crema in their chili. Hope it is not too toxic.Don't know what it does. It just says toxic.
- William Says:
If they have been established in a bed for ten years, there are probably at least two problems:
1) They may be overcrowded. Divide the rhizomes and space them out a bit. After dividing, they may not bloom for a year or two – although mine have not had that problem (large divisions).
2)The soil may be depleted. You can top dress with compost each year to partly renew the soil. Or you can dig them up in early spring or late fall and replace the soil.
The plants love rich and moist (but not wet) well drained soil – in full sun.
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Red hot poker is a stately plant that adds drama to flower beds and borders. Belonging to the Kniphofia genus they are also known as torch lilies. Dwarf varieties of red hot poker can also be grown in container gardens.
The bright, nectar filled flowers of red hot poker plants are popular with butterflies, bees and birds, in particular hummingbirds. Despite the name, red hot poker, the flowers of the plant can also be yellow or orange. The tubular flowers of the red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) sit on long stems, the base of which are surrounded by distinctive sword shaped foliage.
Tall and stately, torch lilies are a great way to introduce both color and drama to your garden. The distinctive flowers of red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) are also a magnet for birds, butterflies and other pollinators.
Torch lilies thrive in USDA zones 6-9. These plants, which have a noticeable clumping habit, are evergreen perennials. Native to South Africa, there are over 70 known species. Their upright growth habit can see them reach up to 5ft in height.
Despite the dramatic appearance red hot poker plant is surprisingly easy to grow and care for. Here is everything you need to know.
Contents
- How to Grow Red Hot Poker Plants
- Red Hot Poker Care
Varieties of Red Hot Poker
As we have already noted there are a number of different varieties of red hot poker available. A traditional option is the 4 ft tall variety Timothy. This cultivar produces coral red flowers which sit on top of red stems.
For something more unusual try Tawny King. Reaching over 3 ft in height, this variety produces brown-orange buds that flower into cream colored pokers with a toffee colored glow. This variety tends to flower from June until October.
Bees' Sunset has been on the market since 1960. Reaching up to 3ft in height, the apricot-orange flowers of this red hot poker variety sit on top of long, bronze-green stems.
The different varieties of the distinctive fire torch flowers come in a range of colors. Most of these red hot poker varieties favor the same growing conditions. This means that you can plant a variety of differently colored combinations. This allows you to add further interest to the flower bed.
Wrexham Buttercup is a yellow variety which can reach over 4 ft in height. Another yellow variety is Sunningdale Yellow. Reaching up to 3 ft in height, in favorable conditions it will flower from early June until November.
How to Grow Red Hot Poker Plants
Red hot poker plant can be purchased from nurseries as young plants. After hardening off you can plant them out, either into flower beds or containers.
Alternatively, you can grow the plants from seed. Seed growing may require more time and space but it gives you access to a wider range of varieties. It is also more affordable, particularly if you want a large number of plants.
How to Sow Seeds
Sow red hot poker seeds from February until June for flowers that year. Many growers prefer to sow the red hot poker seeds in September or October, growing them on undercover before transplanting out the following spring.
Chilling the seeds before planting helps to encourage germination however this is not strictly necessary.
Fill the seed tray with moist, seed compost. Scatter the seeds thinly on the surface and cover with a light layer of vermiculite or compost. Keep the seeds in a warm, light position, ideally the temperature will be between 59-68 ℉.
Sow seeds as thinly as possible on fresh soil. Light and warmth are both essential for germination. Place the seed trays in a bright location such as a windowsill or greenhouse.
Germination can take between 14 and 30 days. During this period keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Using a spray bottle allows you to gently water the soil without disturbing or drowning the seeds.
Following germination keep the soil wet and allow the seeds to grow on. When the seedlings are at least 3 inches tall transplant into larger pots. Grow on until the last local frost date has passed. Harden off before transplanting into their final position.
How to Plant Red Hot Pokers
Red Hot Poker Plant Growing Zones 2020
Red hot pokers are full sun loving plants. Red hot poker also grows in partial sun position, but flowering may not be as abundant versus in the full sun position. Red hot pokers do particularly well in city and coastal gardens. All varieties can be grown in borders and beds. Dwarf or smaller varieties can also be grown in containers or rockeries.
Red hot poker plant can be planted in early fall, before the first frosts of the season come. Otherwise they can be planted well after your last local frost date, usually from May until July. Planting in late spring or early summer gives the plants time to establish a robust root system before fall and cooler temperatures arrive.
Red hot poker plant prefers well-draining loose soil. Tolerable of poor soil, these plants dislike overly rich soil. Torch lilies are hardy in USDA Zones 6-9. They can also be hardy in USDA Zones 5 if they are well mulched and sited in well-draining soil.
Before planting red hot poker dig over the soil. This helps to break up hard clumps and improves drainage. Work in a 3 inch layer of homemade compost to enrich the soil. Alternatively humus can be worked into the soil to support red hot poker growth.
Work the soil over well before planting your plants in the garden. Torch lilies thrive in loose, well draining soil. As you prepare the soil for the plants working in organic matter, such as compost, will further enrich the soil. This helps to give the plants a further boost.
Dig a hole in the soil large enough to hold the plant. The crown should be no more than 3 inches below the soil level. If you are planting more than one plant space them 18 to 24 inches apart. Larger varieties will require more space so consult the information on the plant label before planting.
Red Hot Poker Care
Once planted red hot poker plant is pleasingly easy to care for.
Watering and Fertilizing
Once established red hot poker plant can withstand dry periods in the garden. These are perennial plants. However, a lack of water over a prolonged period of time will cause flowering to slow or cease.
During hot, dry periods provide about 1 inch of water every week. When watering aim to saturate the soil to a depth of up to 6 inches. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Remember that plants growing in containers require more water than those in the ground.
Red hot poker plant doesn't require additional fertilizer. However each spring, as the plant begins to produce new growth, they will benefit from an application of a granular, balanced, organic fertilizer.
Applying an organic mulch such as homemade compost around the plants helps the soil to conserve moisture. As organic mulches break down they return nutrients to the soil. This gives the plants a further boost.
Staking the Plants
Red hot poker plants produce strong flower stalks. This means that they are capable of maintaining an upright growth habit without the need for staking. The tallest varieties, if they are sited in a windy position, may require some support.
How to Prune Red Hot Poker
Deadheading spent flowers encourages the perennial red hot poker plant to produce more flower stalks. Allowing the spent flowers to go to seed will also slow down new flower production.
Flowers can also be cut at any time for floral displays.
In warmer areas, as winter approaches, tie the foliage into a canopy to protect the crown from water accumulating in the center of the plant. Water accumulation over the crown can cause the plants to rot. This foliage can be pruned back in early spring as temperatures warm.
Cut the foliage back to about 3 inches above the ground. This neatens the appearance of the plant and helps to encourage new foliage to emerge. In colder areas cut the foliage back in late fall.
Mulch
Apply a 2-3 inch thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant in early spring. Homemade compost or shredded bark are both ideal for purpose.
In cooler USDA Zones apply organic mulch to the crown of the plant in late fall, after cutting back the foliage. This helps to protect the crown from seasonal frosts and cold temperatures.
Particularly tender species should be covered with a fleece during the winter months.
A few days after it had stopped blooming, I dug it up… oops.
A rabbit had taken advantage of the messy foliage mound and dug a burrow directly underneath it, which I had now destroyed. Luckily my shovel did not crush any of the 4 eyes-still-closed baby bunnies inside of it.
I reconstructed a fake burrow by cutting a black plastic nursery pot in half and then covering it with mulch. I placed the babies back inside and on advice put down markers so I could tell if the mother returned. After two days the mother had not returned so I took the babies to a local wildlife rescue place where they could be nursed. Apparently they were really closed to being weaned naturally, despite still having their eyes closed, so they had a good chance at survival I was told.
This just shows you never know what you'll find when digging in your garden, though next time I'd rather it be gold coins.
In the place of the horrible Red Hot Poker plant I ordered something truly hot, a double echinacea called ‘Hot Papaya'. Coneflowers have a long bloom period, which I like, but I dislike the big brown center on the standard coneflower. The double varietes are like much more attractive to me and I grow one of the original pink cultivars already. I noticed my neighbor had one of these the other day, and it was doing well, and it seems like it would be the perfect plant for the spot where the kniphofia was. I had originally wanted a nicely blooming bright red perennial for that spot after all.
- Garden Vince Says:
This is an exciting story. Finding those bunnies is truly unique and special that you were able to help them. Your right, gold coins would be nice too. Thank you for sharing, great pictures.
- Carol Watt Says:
I found some people also called Red Hot Poker as the Torch Lily. I do plant some in my garden and they spike 2-5″ high now with most of them are of ivory white. They simply gorgeous and seems to be a favorite of hummingbirds.
- Fertilizer Says:
That's a beautiful plant! Wow, do you know where I can get seeds? Online even?
- Texas Martin Says:
I have Red Hot Pokers in my garden. They are a blessing because they are so hardy and can handle the temperatures of Northern nevada. I have found that not watering directly over the plant helps to keep them green in winter.
- Veronika Says:
Those bunnies are so cute!!!
As for Kniphofia, I always saw it looking like in the first picture and I think it is a very wonderful plant. But maybe I would put it into less visible corner, if the flowers are so short-lived 🙂
- Jan Says:
Have you ever grown a pet plant that Moves when you Tickle It? I found the TickleMe Plant to be my favorite house plant to grow as the leaves fold and the branches fall down when Tickled. Just search Pet TickleMe plant to see it in action
- Pat Says:
I moved in to a property that is a gardening paradise, and VERY heavy on the lilies (probably over 100 lilies of varying species). I have to say, the Torch Lily is one of my favorites. The unique shape makes it a real conversation piece. No wonder the previous homeowner put it front and center! I would take a bunny burrow as a consolation prize, though.
- Shelley Says:
I planted a red hot poker in a large decorative pot on the side of our front porch. Beautiful plant. Have had a lot of blooms through the summer. Anxious to transplant and split this fall!
- sally smith Says:
Pokers need Heat and full sun to bloom well. in the pic you have them planted with Acanthus, which loves cooler spots, and shade. Not to be planted together, no wonder poker only bloomed for 3 days. Move to sunnier spot!!
- mia Says:
Love the story about the bunnies, I to have just purchased 2 bulbs and now I'm a little worried about planting then….. any suggestions please e-mail@pearl_oyster06@yahoo.com
- Debbie Jackson Says:
I have the red hot poker plants and I love them. They are beautiful when they bloom. They stay green all summer. People stop by our home and ask what they are. I don't have any problems with mold or bunnies. 🙂
- J Cunningham Says:
Last year I helped my daughter plant red hot pokers in the flower beds to the front of her home, western exposure. The front of her house gets so hot you can hardly touch the front door in summer. Needless to say, the red hot pokers flourished to the point where they almost took over the beds. We are digging them up this year and transplanting them to my home (I really love the plant but they can get huge and overpowering)where they will follow the fence line to my backyard. Great plant!
- Linda Says:
I think I just killed my red hot poker plants. I cut them down to 3 inches. Will they survive?
- Tamara Says:
I remember our neighbor planted torch lilies in the narrow garden between our property and theirs. I loved to watch the hummingbirds as they feasted on the plants. I have put out a hummingbird feeder for years but am trying to create a garden that will feed them naturally, since there has to be nutrients in the plant that sugar water doesn't supply (I do use raw sugar instead of white, processed sugar).
I bought a small torch lily plant last year and it now has three ‘pokers' and a fourth just sprouting. I planted them in a large pot on the edge of my patio where they would good sun exposure but would not take over my yard as the plant produced new growth. I love them and so do the hummingbirds.
- Ronnie Says:
I love this plant! Mine bloom for a very long time. I have two varieties, the early variety has wider leaves and started blooming last week. They didn't bloom the first year. the second variety blooms late summer and has very narrow leaves.
I like the color, the unusual shape and I love the texture of the spiky leaves, not unlike a pineapple. It adds a nice variety to the more rounded leaves of the other plants in my garden.
I mulch them in the winter as the Central New York winters can be pretty harsh.
- Judy Sink Says:
I grew this in my MI garden, and it was absolutely incredibly successful. And no bunny nests. I planted from root/rhizome though, not seed. It is possible yours just needed a couple more years to become the incredible plant it can become. Not sure where you garden. Mine bloomed from early July into November every year as long as I cut the spent flower stalks back. Otherwise, you are giving the plant the message to no longer grow because it has completed its life cycle for the growing season. Keep the spent flower stalks cut back, and the plant will put up new flower stalks. And the hummingbirds in my yard flocked to this plant!
- Michelle Says:
The red hot poker is by far my favorite. We are in PA and they are extremely cold hardy, no covering in winter. I love the tropical look they give. Mine bloom all summer into early fall if warm enough and they bloom non stop, we always have beautiful flowers and they're so bright, they're also virtually care free once rooted. By far the most beautiful and long lasting flower in my garden. Split well too, I got 4 huge ones and started with one. Enjoy!
- Jacki Says:
I have these red hot poker plants all over my yard. They obviously were planted by the previous owners and they just keep throwing up blooms every year without any help from me. I literally don't even notice them till they start blooming in Summer. I have even run over them with the lawn mower at times but they bounce back. I adore them. Mine are bright red beautiful looking flowers. Some of them have stalks up to 6 ft high. The climate here (Tasmania) is freezing cold most of the year but very warm in summer and they thrive in it. I recommend them. 🙂
- Steve McIlree Says:
If you deadhead Red Hot Pokers, they will continue to bloom throughout the entire summer.
- m.mcarthur Says:
Hello I am wondering if now is the time april to split up the red hot pokers. can I just dig round them & lift out I gather these are a bulb type. im new to these. thanks
- Doris Says:
My husband planted 6 Red Hot Poker plants that were given to us. The first year no flowers but figured that was the shock of being transplanted. This year we have flowers on each plant and have just deadheaded one and hoping they continue to bloom. My husband passed away Dec. 13, 2014 so he is not here to see his flowers but know he is looking down from Heaven on them.
- Brewtie Lawton Says:
I have a 12 by 12 bed clumps of red hot pokers . I've seen pictures of multiple blooms in a bed my size. I am only getting sparatic blooms . The bed has been established for 10 years or more. They get late morning and afternoon sun. I live in augusta ga. Why am I not getting large quantities of blooms?
- Georgia Says:
I love the Red Hot Poker flowers. Mine are in full sun all day untill the sun goes down. They always bloom. I didnt know you had to pinch off the spent blooms. I will from now on. Thanks for the tips.
- Michael Says:
I like my plants which are in my backyard planted
around a HUGE rock. I have had them for 20 years
now. The birds like them also, specially hummingbird and the occasionally Orchard Oriole which stops by. Mine have goes through it's cycle of color over weeks. However, no WABBITS yet ever
if they are running around else where in yard. How
do I get them to nest there? The nectar is tasty
also. Plant them folks and maintain them. My own opinion.Thank you.
- Helena Says:
I've been told that if you cut the stalks after the flowers are finished, it will grow new ones. I haven't tried this yet.
- Steve Says:
At 52 years old, I've never know the red hot pokers not to
Flourish and thrive. And mother and grandmother had them as long as I can remember. Grandmother had to separate at a minimum of every 3 years. They got HUGE and spread like crazy. Always loaded with blooms. Most of them they planted in the yard. Probably 70% in direct sun. 30% of them
In the back which NEVER got sun. Didn't have to did use as often but bloomed like crazy. And the cone was even more bright than the ones in the sun.
When my sister got married, she wasn't one to dig in the dirt, but she liked those flowers. She used big pots on the front porch. Never divided them, and the 4th year the roots broke 2 of the pots. I know have some at my house. In front, NO sun, in back 4-6 hrs a day, and bloom from about the first of May, till freeze each year. I thought they were like he mother in laws tongue,….couldn't kill them. - Pam Says:
Planted 2 torch lilies about 5 years ago. Didn't do well in the location, so I moved them 3 years ago. Flowered once in the new, sunnier location, and then basically seemed to die off. HOWEVER, in their exact places now thrive and bloom two deep purple Tradescantia… ??? I swear there were none planted near the first location, although I do have them in other beds around the yard. It is just so strange. I checked the morphology, and the two aren't related – Spiderwort native to the Americas, while Kniphofia are native to Africa. Conclude that seeds must have been either in the transplanted clump or the new bed soil. Wish I'd taken photos of the evolution!
- Judy Caudill Says:
While pulling out of my driveway today, I was looking at the front yard and couldn't believe what I saw but a red hot poker plant in full bloom growing in the middle of my day lilly. I've always wanted one but have never seen them for sale in my area. My neighbor across the street has several growing in his yard. Well I can only assume that a bird brought it over to my yard. I think I can guess how! So now I'll have to wait till the end of summer to see if I can dig it out and transplant it.
- Rich Says:
In response to the bunnies and the Red Hot Poker plants, we planted some this last spring and
They continue to meet expectations. I would think the blooms are being chewed off by the rabbits. If an edible is what is preferred, keep the Red Hot Pokers and enjoy some rabbit stew. - Lori Maarman Says:
My husband confused my red hot poker grass with chives and put some in his sour cream at a chili contest. He won!!
Now I see that it is toxic, Everyone had a few pieces on their crema in their chili. Hope it is not too toxic.Don't know what it does. It just says toxic.
- William Says:
If they have been established in a bed for ten years, there are probably at least two problems:
1) They may be overcrowded. Divide the rhizomes and space them out a bit. After dividing, they may not bloom for a year or two – although mine have not had that problem (large divisions).
2)The soil may be depleted. You can top dress with compost each year to partly renew the soil. Or you can dig them up in early spring or late fall and replace the soil.
The plants love rich and moist (but not wet) well drained soil – in full sun.
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Red hot poker is a stately plant that adds drama to flower beds and borders. Belonging to the Kniphofia genus they are also known as torch lilies. Dwarf varieties of red hot poker can also be grown in container gardens.
The bright, nectar filled flowers of red hot poker plants are popular with butterflies, bees and birds, in particular hummingbirds. Despite the name, red hot poker, the flowers of the plant can also be yellow or orange. The tubular flowers of the red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) sit on long stems, the base of which are surrounded by distinctive sword shaped foliage.
Tall and stately, torch lilies are a great way to introduce both color and drama to your garden. The distinctive flowers of red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) are also a magnet for birds, butterflies and other pollinators.
Torch lilies thrive in USDA zones 6-9. These plants, which have a noticeable clumping habit, are evergreen perennials. Native to South Africa, there are over 70 known species. Their upright growth habit can see them reach up to 5ft in height.
Despite the dramatic appearance red hot poker plant is surprisingly easy to grow and care for. Here is everything you need to know.
Contents
- How to Grow Red Hot Poker Plants
- Red Hot Poker Care
Varieties of Red Hot Poker
As we have already noted there are a number of different varieties of red hot poker available. A traditional option is the 4 ft tall variety Timothy. This cultivar produces coral red flowers which sit on top of red stems.
For something more unusual try Tawny King. Reaching over 3 ft in height, this variety produces brown-orange buds that flower into cream colored pokers with a toffee colored glow. This variety tends to flower from June until October.
Bees' Sunset has been on the market since 1960. Reaching up to 3ft in height, the apricot-orange flowers of this red hot poker variety sit on top of long, bronze-green stems.
The different varieties of the distinctive fire torch flowers come in a range of colors. Most of these red hot poker varieties favor the same growing conditions. This means that you can plant a variety of differently colored combinations. This allows you to add further interest to the flower bed.
Wrexham Buttercup is a yellow variety which can reach over 4 ft in height. Another yellow variety is Sunningdale Yellow. Reaching up to 3 ft in height, in favorable conditions it will flower from early June until November.
How to Grow Red Hot Poker Plants
Red hot poker plant can be purchased from nurseries as young plants. After hardening off you can plant them out, either into flower beds or containers.
Alternatively, you can grow the plants from seed. Seed growing may require more time and space but it gives you access to a wider range of varieties. It is also more affordable, particularly if you want a large number of plants.
How to Sow Seeds
Sow red hot poker seeds from February until June for flowers that year. Many growers prefer to sow the red hot poker seeds in September or October, growing them on undercover before transplanting out the following spring.
Chilling the seeds before planting helps to encourage germination however this is not strictly necessary.
Fill the seed tray with moist, seed compost. Scatter the seeds thinly on the surface and cover with a light layer of vermiculite or compost. Keep the seeds in a warm, light position, ideally the temperature will be between 59-68 ℉.
Sow seeds as thinly as possible on fresh soil. Light and warmth are both essential for germination. Place the seed trays in a bright location such as a windowsill or greenhouse.
Germination can take between 14 and 30 days. During this period keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Using a spray bottle allows you to gently water the soil without disturbing or drowning the seeds.
Following germination keep the soil wet and allow the seeds to grow on. When the seedlings are at least 3 inches tall transplant into larger pots. Grow on until the last local frost date has passed. Harden off before transplanting into their final position.
How to Plant Red Hot Pokers
Red Hot Poker Plant Growing Zones 2020
Red hot pokers are full sun loving plants. Red hot poker also grows in partial sun position, but flowering may not be as abundant versus in the full sun position. Red hot pokers do particularly well in city and coastal gardens. All varieties can be grown in borders and beds. Dwarf or smaller varieties can also be grown in containers or rockeries.
Red hot poker plant can be planted in early fall, before the first frosts of the season come. Otherwise they can be planted well after your last local frost date, usually from May until July. Planting in late spring or early summer gives the plants time to establish a robust root system before fall and cooler temperatures arrive.
Red hot poker plant prefers well-draining loose soil. Tolerable of poor soil, these plants dislike overly rich soil. Torch lilies are hardy in USDA Zones 6-9. They can also be hardy in USDA Zones 5 if they are well mulched and sited in well-draining soil.
Before planting red hot poker dig over the soil. This helps to break up hard clumps and improves drainage. Work in a 3 inch layer of homemade compost to enrich the soil. Alternatively humus can be worked into the soil to support red hot poker growth.
Work the soil over well before planting your plants in the garden. Torch lilies thrive in loose, well draining soil. As you prepare the soil for the plants working in organic matter, such as compost, will further enrich the soil. This helps to give the plants a further boost.
Dig a hole in the soil large enough to hold the plant. The crown should be no more than 3 inches below the soil level. If you are planting more than one plant space them 18 to 24 inches apart. Larger varieties will require more space so consult the information on the plant label before planting.
Red Hot Poker Care
Once planted red hot poker plant is pleasingly easy to care for.
Watering and Fertilizing
Once established red hot poker plant can withstand dry periods in the garden. These are perennial plants. However, a lack of water over a prolonged period of time will cause flowering to slow or cease.
During hot, dry periods provide about 1 inch of water every week. When watering aim to saturate the soil to a depth of up to 6 inches. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Remember that plants growing in containers require more water than those in the ground.
Red hot poker plant doesn't require additional fertilizer. However each spring, as the plant begins to produce new growth, they will benefit from an application of a granular, balanced, organic fertilizer.
Applying an organic mulch such as homemade compost around the plants helps the soil to conserve moisture. As organic mulches break down they return nutrients to the soil. This gives the plants a further boost.
Staking the Plants
Red hot poker plants produce strong flower stalks. This means that they are capable of maintaining an upright growth habit without the need for staking. The tallest varieties, if they are sited in a windy position, may require some support.
How to Prune Red Hot Poker
Deadheading spent flowers encourages the perennial red hot poker plant to produce more flower stalks. Allowing the spent flowers to go to seed will also slow down new flower production.
Flowers can also be cut at any time for floral displays.
In warmer areas, as winter approaches, tie the foliage into a canopy to protect the crown from water accumulating in the center of the plant. Water accumulation over the crown can cause the plants to rot. This foliage can be pruned back in early spring as temperatures warm.
Cut the foliage back to about 3 inches above the ground. This neatens the appearance of the plant and helps to encourage new foliage to emerge. In colder areas cut the foliage back in late fall.
Mulch
Apply a 2-3 inch thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant in early spring. Homemade compost or shredded bark are both ideal for purpose.
In cooler USDA Zones apply organic mulch to the crown of the plant in late fall, after cutting back the foliage. This helps to protect the crown from seasonal frosts and cold temperatures.
Particularly tender species should be covered with a fleece during the winter months.
How to Propagate Red Hot Poker Plant
The easiest way to propagate red hot poker plants is by division. A rhizome forming plant, if the rhizome becomes too large or old flower production may slow or cease. Division helps to renew the perennial torch lily.
Division also helps to prevent the torch lily plant from spreading throughout a bed or border. This method can be used if you wish to move the plant to another part of the garden.
The best time to make divisions is in early spring before the perennial plant begins to produce new season growth.
Care Of Red Hot Poker Plant
To divide, dig up as much of the root system as you can. Around the central crown you will notice younger plants or offsets. Carefully remove these with a knife or sharp spade. Replant each offset in a similar location.
You can also grow the perennial red hot pokers from harvested flower seeds. Simply allow the flowers to go to seed and harvest when ripe.
Sow the torch lily seeds undercover in the fall and transplant into the garden the following spring. Be warned, if these torch lily seeds are from named cultivars they will not grow true to type if sown.
Companion Planting
Red hot poker plants make great companion plants for late summer perennials such as asters, rudbeckias and heleniums.
Popular with birds, butterflies and pollinators, torch lilies are often successfully incorporated into pollinator or bee friendly gardens. Finally, these plants also work well in modern planting schemes alongside other garden plants such as dahlias, crocosmias and foxgloves.
Common Pests or Diseases
A pleasingly trouble free addition to the garden, red hot poker plants are not prone to pest infestations. However the foliage of the torch lily plants can harbour slugs and snails. Regularly check the foliage for any hidden pests. While chemical controls are available, organic solutions such as applying used coffee ground around the plant are just as effective.
The main problem encountered by growers of red hot poker plants is the rotting of the plant's crown. This is caused by either exposure to cold weather or planting in poorly draining soil. Working the soil over before planting will help to improve drainage.
If cold temperatures are a problem cover the torch lily plants with a thick layer of mulch in late fall. Remember to uncover the crowns of the garden plants when your last local frost date passes the following spring.
A pleasingly pest and problem free plant. However the dense foliage of the torch lily plant can be an ideal hiding ground for slugs and snails. Regularly check the foliage for any hidden pests.
Flowering from April until October red hot poker plants are a stately addition to any garden. Beginning as a bright red or orange flower the colors of the plant fade to shades of yellow and gold as they age. This constant evolution helps to add continuing interest to the garden.
Popular with birds, butterflies and pollinators alike, these plants are also a great way to introduce structure or height to a planting scheme. A heat loving, drought resistant plant they are ideal additions to rockeries, flower beds and containers.
Red hot pokers, despite their stately appearance are pleasingly easy to grow and care for. A reliable plant, with a little care these dramatic flowers will return to your garden year after year.
