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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Christmas Cheer Red Hot Poker with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.