‘The Red Hot Pokers’
Kniphofia or ‘Red Hot Pokers’ as they commonly called, are a plant that prefers a position in full sun in a humus rich, moist well drained soil.
Sometime called the ‘Torch Lily’ these easy care plants come in a number of varieties.
Kniphofia are not always red, the tall flower spikes from red through to yellow rising above the foliage.
They add height ,make a dramatic addition to the garden. Plants are readily available for sale online.
Kniphofia ‘Winter Cheer’ makes a stunning display during the cold months with its bright red flower heads, ‘Orange Queen’ has softer orange flowers. The softer variety ‘Lime Glow’ is a yellow form.
Species include: K. citrina, K. linearifolia, K. sarmentosa, K. thompsonii, and K. ‘Zululandiae’.
How To Grow Kniphofia or ‘Red Hot Pokers’
These are a medium to tall growing perennial that can make a dramatic statement at the rear of the border or as a stand alone plant.
Kniphofia have flower spikes that reach to nearly 2m and a range of colors from bone white through to coral red.
They will flower from early summer to late summer depending on variety. All varieties do prefer full sun and a moist but well drained soil, once established they are relatively drought tolerant.
Light
Red Hot Poker plants are beset planted in a position where they get a good amount of sun. At least 6 hours of direct sun a day is need for good flowering. Deep shade will inhibit flowering. In hotel climates a little afternoon shade will be suitable.
Soil
A free draining humus rich soil suits most varieties
Spacing
These are naturally a clump forming plants, new plantings should have plants spaces at around 30 – 50 cm (12 – 18 inches) apart to allow for future spread.
Planting
The best time to plant is in late summer or spring.
Temperature
These are cold tolerant plant, established plants are particularly hardy, however this does differ between varieties.
Watering
Again once established they require very little water. Only during long dry spells will they require supplemental watering.
Pruning
- Remove old flower heads, trimming the flower stalk right back.
- Prune away any dead foliage as it appears.
- You prune the foliage back to around ground level in late autumn to late winter/spring, this will tidy the plant up. The fresh new foliage in spring looks better than the old foliage.
- Deciduous varieties can be pruned back to ground level in early winter or spring in cold climates.
Propagation
Easiest by division of established clumps. The best time to divide Kniphofia is in in autumn or spring. Lift the clump if possible with a garden fork. Use a sharp spade to to divide the clump and then replant.
After replanting, water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
You can also propagate from seed. Seeds are best planted in autumn in a specialist seed raising mix. They should germinate in around 3 – 4 weeks and be ready for potting up abount 6 months after germination. Seeds usually do not come true to colour.
Kniphofia – Garden Uses
Being an easy care low maintenance plant Kniphofia are a good choice for many gardens designs.
- The tall flower spikes put on a dazzling display and the foliage on many types is evergreen, some are deciduous..
- They can be grown at the rear of the garden border where the flowers can still be seen and the foliage acts as a backdrop for other plants.
- The flowers attract bees and nectar seeking birds, and are long lasting.
- Choose your colour and height, Kniphofia flowers can be red, yellow, green and even white. Size varies from small ow growing types to tall varieties.
- Yes you can grow them in pots and other containers.
Kniphofia Varieties
- K. ‘Red Hot’ has deep coral red flowers.
- K. ‘Winter Cheer” has large deep red pokers and is tall growing,
- K. ‘Ice Queen’ has very pale pokers, green tipped lemon to white and a great contrast to other varieties.
- K. ‘Ernest Mitchell’ has clear lemon-green flowers.
- K. ‘Lollipop’ has a flower head shaped like a ball on a stick.
- K. northiae has very large decorative foliage.
Kniphofia or Red Hot Pokers are available for sale from the following nurseries
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
www.planterspatch.com.au
138 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
"Large range of rare and unusual plants.."
www.gentiananursery.com.au
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
Large range of Rare, Unusual and Old Fashioned Perennials. Includes Artemisias, Achilleas, Geraniums, Geums, Salvias, Penstemon and Francoa.
www.yellowhouseheritageperennials.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
'Umbango' 750 Humula Rd, Humula NSW 2652
Phone 0408692773 Great Range of Perennial plants available for sale by mail order.
www.nutshellnursery.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au