red-hot poker
Also known as: flame flower
An herbaceous perennial reaching approximately 120cm in height when in flower with green, linear strap-like leaves and spikes of tubular orange flowers that emerge from firey red buds in summer and autumn.
Scientific classification
- Species
- red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
- Genus
- Kniphofia
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Information to be completed
- Toxicity
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Plant type
- 0.5-1 metres
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- Evergreen
- Foliage
- Clump forming
- Habit
- Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
- Season of interest
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- 15 – 25 °C
- Ideal temperature
red-hot poker pictures
Distribution of red-hot poker
Distribution map
South Africa (Southwestern Cape)
Information to be completed
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Information to be completed
Quick identification of red-hot poker
Information to be completed
red-hot poker care guide
- Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
- Watering
- Full sun
- Sunlight
- 15 – 25 °C
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season
Pruning
PruningCut down old flower stems after flowering; old or dead leaves can be tidied up or removed in mid-spring
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by division of established clumps in late spring or by taking offshoots from the crown
Growing
GrowingGrow in full sun and fertile, moist but well-drained soil that isn’t too wet over winter. See kniphofia cultivation for further advice
People also ask
Information to be completed
Common pests and diseases
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, thrips, slugs and snails
Explore the plant health library →
