Red hot poker is a unique and eye-catching perennial plant perfect for adding vibrant color to gardens, borders, and containers. This South African native is known for its tall, poker-like flower spikes that bloom in fiery shades of red, orange, yellow, and even white. With over 70 species and many cultivars to choose from, there is a red hot poker variety for everyone’s taste.
Background on Red Hot Poker Plants
Red hot poker, also called torch lily or poker plant belongs to the genus Kniphofia. It is known for its clumps of long strappy leaves and colorful, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that rise high above the foliage. The blooms are very long-lasting, with each flower lasting up to 18 days.
While red hot poker plants may look like they belong in a desert, they are actually quite hardy and have modest water requirements once established They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Good drainage is crucial, as sitting in soggy soil is one of the few things that can kill these otherwise tough plants
Red hot poker plants grow 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. They are hardy in USDA zones 5-9. In cold climates, protect the crown with mulch in winter. Hot poker plants attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies but deer tend to avoid them.
Popular Red Hot Poker Varieties
With so many red hot poker cultivars to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one for your garden! Here are some of the most popular varieties:
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‘Popsicle Series’ – This dwarf series reaches just 2 feet tall with a spread of 18 inches. Choose from red (‘Red Hot Popsicle’), orange (‘Mango Popsicle’) or yellow (‘Pineapple Popsicle’).
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‘Ice Queen’ – Grows 4 feet tall with lime to light yellow blooms. Sometimes described as white.
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‘Lady Luck’ – An unusually tall poker that grows to 5 feet with white flowers.
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‘Lucifer’ – A classic variety with bright red-orange flowers on 4-5 foot stems.
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‘Flamenco’ – Vibrant orange-red blooms on a medium-sized plant, 3-4 feet tall.
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‘Yellow Hammer’ – Bright golden yellow flowers on 4 foot stems make a bold statement.
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‘Safari Sunset’ – Gorgeous blooms in sunset shades of orange, red and yellow on 4-5 foot plants.
Growing Red Hot Poker Plants
Red hot poker plants are easy to grow in the right conditions. Here are some tips:
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Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours daily) and well-draining soil. Raised beds work well.
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Water 1 inch per week during warm months and less in winter. Avoid wet feet.
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Fertilize in spring with slow-release fertilizer if soil is poor.
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Cut back foliage to 3-4 inches in early spring before new growth emerges.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
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In cold climates, mulch the crown for winter protection.
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Propagate by division in spring or by seed indoors.
Designing With Red Hot Poker Plants
When designing with red hot poker plants, use their height and vibrant colors to full advantage. Here are some ideas:
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Use as dramatic focal points or thriller plants in containers
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Plant behind shorter plants in borders so spikes stand out
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Complement with cool blue or purple flowers like salvia
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Mix varieties for a colorful, eclectic look
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Underplant with low growers like sedum or asters
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Line a driveway or path for a bold welcome
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Plant with grasses and mounds for texture
With electrifying flower spikes in colors from red hot orange to cool yellows, red hot poker brings sizzle to gardens and containers. Many cultivars are available in a range of heights and colors. Give these South African natives full sun, well-drained soil, and a prominent spot in your landscape to enjoy their stunning blooms.
Pyromania ‘Hot and Cold’ Red Hot Pokers
FAQ
Do red hot pokers multiply?
Red hot poker plants can be propagated by division or seeds. Here’s how to propagate by division: Divide in spring to minimize overcrowding. Remove offsets from the perimeter of clumps rather than dividing clumps down the middle.
Do red hot pokers come in different colors?
While the traditional and most common red hot poker variety has orange or red flowers turning to yellow as it ages, there are other color choices. ‘Springtime’ has coral and yellow flowers. ‘Goldmine’ has amber colored blooms. ‘Tawny King’ has cream and apricot colored flowers.
Where is the best place to plant red hot poker?
They have a preference for full sun, although they can tolerate some light shade, especially in hot climates. If you want to grow red hot poker for flowers, you can plant them in spring. They grow best in moist but well-draining soils, but once established they can tolerate many types of soils.
Do red hot poker plants spread?
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Aggressive Spreading:Red hot pokers can spread rapidly via rhizomes, which are underground stems that produce new plants.
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Invasive Status:In some areas, including parts of California and Oregon, red hot poker is considered an invasive species due to its aggressive growth and ability to outcompete native plants.
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Spacing:When planting red hot pokers, it’s recommended to space them 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for their natural spread.
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Division:While red hot poker plants don’t tolerate division well due to their long taproot, you can divide them to propagate new plants, especially in spring when offsets (new plants) form around the mother plant.
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Maintenance:To prevent overcrowding, consider dividing clumps every few years and removing offsets to control their spread.