Blooms can last up to 18 days.
These plants are native to Africa and will reach mature size in about four years.
They are attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies but, fortunately, not to deer.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
These plants like full sun and well-draining soil.
Water modestly, approximately 1 inch a week during the warm months.
Cut flowers down after blooming, and divide in spring.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
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.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
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.
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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.
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.
For example, K. tysonii has orange to dark red blooms and K. linearifolia has greenish-yellow flowers.
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.
The leaves will furnish a bit of extra protection against the cold.
The blooms last up to 18 days.
What Do Red Hot Poker Flowers Look Like?
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.
Deadheading encourages continued blooms.
Once a flower has died, cut just below the faded bloom.
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.
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.
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.
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
Kniphofia uvaria.Missouri Botanical Garden.
Garden Torches.University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
