Red Hot Poker, Torch lily, Poker Plant

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

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.

Culture:
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.