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Red Hot Poker, Torch lily, Poker Plant
Scientific Name: Kniphofia uvaria (L.) Hooker
Synonym: Tritoma uvaria
Family: Liliaceae

Show Larger Picture Kniphofia 'Alcazar' in the New York Botanical Garden

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 3-12, 14-24, 28-34 USDA: 6-10 Heat Tolerance: Unreliable in the hot deserts summer heat Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade Origin: South Africa Growth Habits: Clump forming perennial, 2 to 6 feet tall (60 to 180 cm), 2 feet in spread (60 cm), depending on variety Watering Needs: Regular water to ample water, excellent drainage Propagation: Remove young plants from clump edge in spring, seeds in spring

Cultural Practices:
The Kniphofia needs a soil rich in organic matter, along with excellent drainage. In the colder areas of its range, mulch the roots in winter. It needs abundant moisture during its growing period.

Blooming Habits:
The Red Hot Poker blooms in mid summer, its flower spikes are very attractive to hummingbirds. The individual flowers are small, tubular and oriented downward. The Kniphofia blooms in late summer and fall. The blooming period lasts a long time, and is lengthened by removing spent spikes.