Kniphofia
( nip - HOH - fee - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly referred to as Red-Hot Poker and Torch Lily, this interesting flowering perennial needs full sun to partial shade and moderate to regular water. The bright flowers will attract pollinators such as hummingbirds to your yard. Each inflorescence is comprised of tubular overlapping flowers grouped into clusters. Foliage is somewhat grass-like. Blooms will open from the bottom of the spike to the top and will change color as they mature. Plants vary in size, shape, and flower colors.
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Kniphofia Species and Varietals
The genus Kniphofia includes 73 species and is a member of the plant family Asphodelaceae. Torch Lily growing zones vary depending on the species. See the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Kniphofia hybrids
Most of these plants grow in zones 2-9 and 14-24, though this varies somewhat. Flowers will bloom in summertime.
Most of these plants grow in zones 2-9 and 14-24, though this varies somewhat. Flowers will bloom in summertime.
'Alcazar'
Dark bronze stems reach 3.5 feet tall and are topped with dusty coral pink buds that open to reveal cream flowers. |
'Border Ballet'
Flowers are a soft, dusty pink and open to cream. Flower stems are 4-4.5 feet tall. |
'Christmas Cheer'
Grows best in zones 19-24, with orange buds that open deep gold. Stems are 4-5 feet tall. Clump increases rapidly to 6-8 feet across or more. Divide in early summer. |
'Cobra'
Flower stems reach 3-4 feet tall and flowers are orange at the tops of spikes, peach to creamy white at the bottom. |
Flamenco Strain
Blooms in early fall in the first year and in summertime in later years. Colors range from coral to orange to cream and bloom on 2.5-foot tall stems. |
'Little Maid'
Leaves are thin and grassy and 2-foot tall stems produce cream blossoms that bloom from pale yellow buds. |
'Nancy's Red'
Grows best in zones 4-9 and 14-24. Reaches 2 feet tall and wide with semi-evergreen grassy leaves. Flowers are coral red and bloom in early to mid-summertime. |
'Percy's Pride'
Grows to 4 feet tall and has green-tinted yellow flower buds that open to reveal cream blooms. |
'Primrose Beauty'
Reaches 3 feet tall and has flowers that bloom in light yellow. |
'Shining Scepter'
3 feet tall with tangerine-colored flowers. The original English variety of this name is 4 feet tall with pale yellow buds that open to reveal ivory flowers. |
'Bressingham Comet'
2-foot tall stems produce flowers in orange with a yellow base. |
'Toffee Nosed'
These plants have 2 foot tall stems and flower spikes are cream at the base, changing to orange at the tip. |
Kniphofia northiae (Giant Red Hot Poker) This species grows in zones 4-9 and 14-24, and is a large species that forms a 1-3 foot high trunk that sprouts bluish green leaves in a single rosette, similar to Aloe spp. This species does not form clumps as others tend to do. Flower stems are 1-2 feet taller than the foliage, and hold orange buds that open to a light yellow color. |
Kniphofia x praecox (Kniphofia praecox, Greater Red-Hot Poker) This hybrid is a cross between Kniphofia uvaria and Kniphofia bruceae, and forms a clump of narrow grass-like foliage. Flowers bloom atop upright long flower stems that reach up to 5 feet tall. Flowers start off scarlet red, transitioning to reddish-orange and then yellow as they mature. |
Kniphofia thomsonii (Thompson's Red-Hot Poker) This is an alpine species native to East Africa that grows best in zones 6-9 and 14-24. It forms clumps 3-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide, and has narrow blue-green leaves. Blooms are orange. Variety 'Triploid Form' reaches 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide with orange-red blooms, and 'Stern's Trip' is also a great garden cultivar. |
Kniphofia uvaria (Tritomea, Torch Lily, Red Hot Poker) This species grows in zones 2-9 and 14-24 and its flower stems reach 3-3.5 feet in height. Flower buds are coral red and open to reveal orange or deep yellow flowers in summer. Blooms will appear later in the year in cool-winter climates. Many varieties sold under this name are hybrids. |
Caring for Kniphofia
These plants need adequate water during their blooming season and will not perform well under dry conditions. Well-draining soil is essential in the wintertime, though during the warmer months they can take somewhat boggy conditions. In cooler-winter areas, leave foliage on the plant so that it can protect the roots and new growth when it pops up. Leave clumps in place for a few years before dividing, which is best done in springtime. If the species is still blooming in spring, wait until summer to divide clumps.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 393 - 394, Kniphofia
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