Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia spp.)


Red Hot Poker Plant Features

It's pretty obvious where kniphofia got its common name, red hot poker. This tough-as-nails, sun-loving perennial produces tall spikes of red, yellow, or bi-colored flowers in mid- to late summer. Red hot poker's flowers are also nectar-rich so they will draw butterflies and hummingbirds from miles around. Plus, even when not in bloom, the lance-shaped foliage of red hot poker adds interest and texture in the garden. In the northern part of its range, red hot poker is evergreen, adding color to your garden even in the drabbest months. Red hot poker grows 2 to 3 feet tall and is rabbit and deer resistant. Hardy from zones 5-9.

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Red Hot Poker Growing Instructions

Plant red hot poker in a sunny spot that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of sun a day. Red hot poker is not fussy about soil type, but prefers life on the dry side so keep it away from poorly drained locations. Clip away the flower stalks after they fade.

Red Hot Poker is not recommended for human or animal consumption.
  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Red

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Attracts hummingbirds

    Deer/rabbit resistant


Complement your Red Hot Poker

Coreopsis
Coreopsis thrives in hot, dry conditions and its yellow blooms blend well with the bright flowers of Red Hot Poker.

Artemisia
Tall Artemisia varieties make a good partner for Red Hot Poker because the gray leaves are very complementary.

Coneflower
The bold daisy-like flowers of Coneflower provide a colorful contrast to the spiky flower stalks of Red Hot Poker.


Our favorite varieties

Fire Dance Red Hot Poker

Fire Dance Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia hirsuta 'Fire Dance'

Fire Dance is an easy-to-grow perennial for sun that shows off deer-resistant, hummingbird-attracting red-and-yellow flowers. It grows only 20 inches tall and wide. Zones 5-9

Pineapple Popsicle Red Hot Poker

Pineapple Popsicle Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle'

This evergreen perennial stands out from other varieties because of its yellow-green flowers from late spring to early autumn. It grows 28 inches tall. Zones 6-8

Papaya Popsicle Red Hot Poker

Papaya Popsicle Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Papaya Popsicle'

Papaya Popsicle red hot poker is a full-sun plant that has orange-and-yellow flower spikes all summer long over a mound of grassy, textural foliage. It grows 18 inches tall and 20 inches wide. Zones 6-9

Echo Mango Red Hot Poker

Echo Mango Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia uvaria 'Echo Mango'

Echo Mango red hot poker is a favorite because of its extra-long bloom season, drought tolerance, and attractiveness to hummingbirds. It grows 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 6-9

Echo Rojo Red Hot Poker

Echo Rojo Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia uvaria 'Echo Rojo'

With blooms from midsummer to autumn, Echo Rojo red hot poker is a must-have for sunny perennial gardens -- or as an annual in containers. It grows 40 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Zones 6-9