Practical
Plants

Kniphofia uvaria

Red Hot Poker

a perennial evergreen member of the Kniphofia genus in the family Asphodelaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Height
2 m
Spread
1 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Environment

Range
S. Africa.
Habitat
Damp slopes and marshy ground[7]
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 5+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse[2]. The seed usually germinates in 2 months at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring as new growth commences. Do not allow the plants to become dry either before or after planting[1][2]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a light sandy soil with plenty of moisture in spring and summer[1]. Prefers a sunny position[2]. Succeeds in maritime exposure[3][4]. Not fully hardy in colder winters, it is best to give the plant some protection in the winter[1]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[5]. Commonly grown in the flower garden[1], it is a good plant for attracting butterflies and moths[6].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  2. Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge 1926-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Taylor. J. The Milder Garden. Dent 1990-00-00

    ↩

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩

  5. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  6. Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982-00-00 ISBN 0-330-26642-x

    ↩

  7. Adamson. and Salter. Flora of the Cape Peninsula.

    ↩

Edit this page