Bold pokers of tubular flowers glow red, orange and yellow above grassy clumps, brimming with nectar for honeyeaters. Tough, drought-hardy and dramatic in the summer border.
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 Red Hot Poker
Kniphofia uvaria is a moderate-growing perennial in the Asphodelaceae family. It reaches around 1.2 m tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and semi-deciduous foliage. Red, orange and yellow flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Red Hot Poker
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, tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is deer-resistant.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Red Hot Poker provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Red Hot Poker performs well with relatively little water once established. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Red Hot Poker after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Red Hot Poker in the garden
Red Hot Poker earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a feature or specimen planting, cut flowers for the vase and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate as Red Hot Poker. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Buying Red Hot Poker
Plant Sale lists Red Hot Poker as potted plants. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
