Red Hot Poker Plant Pruning
- Red-hot pokers are known for their interesting flowers which come in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Native to South Africa, these plants are surprisingly cold hardy (potentially to Zone 5). Noteworthy CharacteristicsUnique, hot-colored flowers CareRemove spent flower stalks; Crown might need winter mulch in Zone 5. PropagationDivide in spring.
- Kniphofia 'Safranvogel' Other names. Red hot poker 'Safranvogel' Genus. Kniphofia Kniphofia. Variety or Cultivar 'Safranvogel' 'Safranvogel' is a clump-forming, deciduous perennial with arching, linear, dark green leaves and, from early summer into autumn, sturdy, erect stems bearing elliptic spikes of tubular, orange flower buds, paler as the flowers open.
Apr 3, 2016 - When the appropriate time arrives, you?ll want to learn about cutting back red hot poker plants. For information about exactly when and how to trim a red hot poker plant. Repeat monthly if the plant food is not slow released. 3 Apply a 2-inch layer of fresh mulch around the base of the red hot poker plant in fall, after the flowers fade.
Common Name
red hot poker, torch lily
Traits
- Sun
- Coastal
- Feature
- Birds
Flowering Season
Autumn, Winter, Spring
Genus
Mostly from South Africa, there are around 70 species of clump-forming perennials that make up this genus in the asphodel (Asphodelaceae) family, They are grown mainly for their tall flower stems that are topped with vivid bottlebrush-shaped heads of red, orange, yellow, cream, and sometimes green flowers, and many hybrids and cultivars have been raised in a variety of sizes, and these have extended the flower colour range even further. The genus name honours German professor Johann Hieronymus Kniphof (17041763), while the common names red hot poker or torch lily, aptly describe the appearance of the striking flowerheads.
Appearance
Red hot pokers are clump-forming perennials with grassy to sword-shaped, often evergreen foliage that emerges from vigorous rhizomes. Tall sturdy flower stems bear bottlebrush heads of intensely coloured flowers, usually in shades of orange and red. Many hybrids and cultivars have been raised in a variety of sizes and flower colours. Flowering usually occurs from autumn to spring, depending on the species, and the blooms last well when cut.
Cultivation
Kniphofia species require a position in full sun with moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil, and they should be watered well during the flowering season. Most species tolerate light to moderate frosts, though none will tolerate repeated heavy frosts; they can cope with salt winds and will thrive near the coast. Propagation is usually by division after flowering, or from seed.
Gardening Australia suggests you check with your local authorities regarding the weed potential of any plants for your particular area.
Red Hot Poker Flower Care
© Global Book Publishing (Australia) Pty Ltd from Flora's Gardening Cards
