Tropicals – Red Hot Poker

Botanical name: kniphofia uvaria

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 4 ft in height and 3 ft in width

Bloom time: late spring, summer, fall

Hardy zone: zones 5-9

Flower color: red/orange/yellow

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: can reach fully mature size in 1-2 growing seasons

Pruning instructions: deadhead and remove dead or dying foliage as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: color and texture addition to a flower garden

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day

Special features: long blooming periods

Watering instructions: allow soil to partially dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use 4-8-4 in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring or summer

Best type of soil: loam or sand

Companion plants: pampas grass, lavender, delphiniums

Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested

Invasive species: no