Red Hot Poker, Common Torch Lily, Torch Lily, Poker Plant, Tritoma
Kniphofia uvaria

Family: Asphodelaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Orange, Red, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Mid summer. Form: Irregular or sprawling.

Kniphofia uvaria is an evergreen Perennial growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Damp slopes and marshy ground

S. Africa.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Rock garden, Seashore. Prefers a light sandy soil with plenty of moisture in spring and summer. Prefers a sunny position. Succeeds in maritime exposure. Not fully hardy in colder winters, it is best to give the plant some protection in the winter. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits. Commonly grown in the flower garden, it is a good plant for attracting butterflies and moths. Special Features:Attracts birds, Attractive foliage, Attracts butterflies, Suitable for cut flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. 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. 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

K. aloides.