Bold pokers open orange-red and fade to yellow, glowing through the cooler months when little else flowers. Drought- and coast-hardy, and a rich nectar source for honeyeaters.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 1.2 m H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker
Botanically, Kniphofia 'Christmas Cheer' is a moderate-growing perennial in the Asphodelaceae family. It reaches around 1.2 m tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Orange, red and yellow flowers appear in autumn and winter.
Where to grow Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker
Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker performs well with relatively little water once established. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker in the garden
Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, feeding bees and pollinators, a feature or specimen planting and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
Combine Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker with plants that share its preference for happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker
Plant Sale lists Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
