How to Grow and Care for Red Hot Poker Plants

Red hot pokers (Kniphofia) are herbaceous perennials prized for their tall, showstopping flower spikes that bloom in the spring and summer in bright red, orange, and yellow. Blooms can last up to 18 days. They are also commonly known as torch lilies and, though they do share some characteristics, they are not true lilies (i.e., they are not members of the Liliaceae family). These plants are native to Africa and will reach mature size in about four years.

Being rhizomatous, red hot pokers can be aggressive growers in favorable conditions; they are even considered invasive in some areas. They are attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies but, fortunately, not to deer. These plants like full sun and well-draining soil.

Red Hot Poker Plant Care

Grow your red hot poker plant in well-draining soil and ensure it has full sun. Water modestly, approximately 1 inch a week during the warm months. Cut flowers down after blooming, and divide in spring. Trim the foliage base to a few inches above the ground in the spring to give the plant a fresh start for the growth ahead.

Warning

In some areas, this plant spreads rapidly through aggressive rhizomes. Currently, it is considered invasive in California and Oregon.

Light

Grow your red hot poker plants in full sun for the best blooms. They will tolerate some shade and can benefit from afternoon shade in climates with hot summers.

Soil

Red hot poker plants need well-draining soil. They are generally tough perennials, but poor drainage is one of the few things that will kill them. Damp soil is particularly problematic in winter, as it promotes root rot.

Water

Red hot poker has modest water needs once established. Water frequently after planting and less frequently in subsequent seasons.

Temperature and Humidity

Indigenous to South Africa, red hot pokers can be hardy as far north as Zone 5, especially with good drainage and mulch, through Zone 9. In cold climates, winterize the plants by covering their crowns with mulch.

Fertilizer

Red hot poker plants in nutritious soil typically do not need feeding. If the soil is poor, feed with a slow-release fertilizer to promote blooms.

Types of Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia has over 71 species, including, K. tysonii, K. linearifolia, K. reflexa, and K. rooperi, which come in different colors, shapes, and sizes. For example, K. tysonii has orange to dark red blooms and K. linearifolia has greenish-yellow flowers. Here are the different cultivars of red hot poker plants:

• 'Red Hot Popsicle': One of the 'Popsicle' series of cultivars; this dwarf variety grows to 2 feet tall (with flower) and 18 inches wide with red flowers.
• 'Pineapple Popsicle': Same as the above variety, with yellow flowers.
• 'Mango Popsicle': Also the same as the above varieties, with orange flowers.
• 'Ice Queen': Lime-yellow to light-yellow flowers (sometimes described as white); grows 4 feet tall (with flower) and 2 feet wide,
• 'Lady Luck': An unusually tall variety that grows about 5 feet tall and about 3 feet wide with white flowers.

Pruning

At the start of the growing season, cut plants back to about 3 to 4 inches above the ground before new growth emerges. When flowers begin to fade, cut them away from the stem with a sharp pair of garden shears. Cut them about 1/2 inch below the flowers.

Propagating Red Hot Poker

Red hot poker plants can be propagated by division or seeds. Here's how to propagate by division:

1. Divide in spring to minimize overcrowding.
2. Remove offsets from the perimeter of clumps rather than dividing clumps down the middle. Division can damage the plant's bloom cycle, especially with mature clumps.
3. Lift the plants from the ground and tease the clumps apart with your fingers.
4. Replant immediately.

How to Grow Red Hot Poker Plants From Seed

In warm areas, you can sow the seeds directly into the garden. If growing red hot poker plants from seed indoors, here's how:

1. Cut the flower heads as they begin to fade and let them dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours. The entire flower of the red hot poker is filled with seeds.
2. Break open the florets and let the seeds drop into a container. Place the seeds in the refrigerator for one month.
3. Sow the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before you want to plant them in the ground. Use pots that are several inches deep, as red hot poker plants form a long taproot.
4. Keep them in good quality potting soil, keep that soil moist, and keep the temperature between 70°F and 75°F. Plants should germinate within 28 days or so.

Overwintering

If you live on the colder side of the growing range, mulch your plants for winter protection and wait untilspring to prune back the foliage. The leaves will furnish a bit of extra protection against the cold. You can also bind the leaves together to create a protective cover for the plant's crown (otherwise, it's fine to remove a few unwanted leaves here or there throughout the growing season).

Common Pests

Thrips may appear in some areas for red hot poker plants, though the genus experiences no other significant pest or disease problems. To treat thrips, try spraying with cold water, applying neem oil, or using an insecticide. Be sure to treat the soil as the plant as the larvae can often be found on the soil surface.

How to Get Red Hot Poker to Bloom

Bloom Months

Red hot poker blooms from late spring to fall, usually in June through October. The blooms last up to 18 days.

What Do Red Hot Poker Flowers Look Like?

Red hot poker is prized for its tall, bottle-brush-like flower spikes in bright warm colors that rise above blue-green strappy foliage. The long-lasting blooms are not noted for fragrance.

How to Encourage More Blooms

If your plant is not blooming, consider where it's planted. Remember that full sun is necessary. Additionally, look at the crown of the plant as well. It should be buried no more than three inches deep in the soil. Remove all foliage down to the base of the plant in the fall. If it doesn't bloom the following spring, dig up the plant and divide the clumps to give it more room to grow. Deadheading encourages continued blooms. Once a flower has died, cut just below the faded bloom.

Common Problems With Red Hot Poker

Yellowing Leaves

If you notice yellowing leaves, your red hot poker plant may not be getting enough light. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Wilting Leaves

Wilting leaves on a red hot poker plant can be indicative of overwatering. These plants need little water, so cut back on watering and see if leaves perk back up again.

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• Does red hot poker come back every year?

  Red hot poker is a perennial plant and will come back every year in zones 5-9, but it may require additional care in the winter in colder zones.

• Where should I plant a red hot poker plant?

  Plant your red hot poker plant in a full sun location that ideally has some protection from wind. These plants require well-draining soil as well.

• Can I grow red hot poker plants in pots?

  Red hot poker plants, particularly dwarf varieties, can be grown in containers. This can be ideal for winter months when they can be moved around to protect against frost. This plant is susceptible to root rot, so you'll need a container that has ample drainage to avoid waterlogging.

From: thespruce