Kniphofia uvariaRed Hot Poker

Kniphofia uvaria, known universally as the Red Hot Poker, throws dense torch-like flower spikes to 0.9 or 1.2 metres above coarse grey-green strappy foliage. Each spike opens red at the top and fades to yellow below, so a clump carries both colours at once.

It is a South African plant built for lean, sharply drained ground, and it performs best in coastal and Mediterranean schemes where winter wet is not a problem.

Specifications

• Height0.9 to 1.2 metres in flower, with foliage to 0.6 metres
• Width0.6 to 0.8 metres
• Native toThe Cape region of South Africa
• FoliageCoarse strappy grey-green leaves in dense clumps; evergreen in mild climates
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilRequires free-draining soil; crowns rot in wet winter ground
• LightFull sun
• WaterLow to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in Mediterranean, temperate and coastal regions

Additional Features

• FlowersDense torch-like spikes opening red and fading to yellow, from late spring into summer
• UsesIdeal for mass planting, mixed borders, coastal gardens and repeated feature clumps
• SpacingPlant 0.5 to 0.6 metres apart for a solid block
• Low MaintenanceRemove spent flower stems and tidy old foliage in spring
• Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free and resilient
• Drought ToleranceFleshy roots carry the clump through extended dry periods
• Wildlife AttractionNectar-rich spikes draw birds and bees

The Red Hot Poker is a strong vertical accent for lean, sunny ground, and it flowers hardest exactly where the soil is poorest.