8/4/2022

Red Hot Poker Plant Zone 5

The first year these incredible birds came to the Kniphofia in the garden it was indeed a sight to behold. The Oriole is one of the most beautifully colored birds and just happens to be a perfect color match for the spiky Kniphofia flowers. This patch of Kniphofia is now in its sixth year and every year the Orioles visit. It is the only time they are seen here and this is the only plant they have been spotted visiting for any length of time. The nectar must be mighty tasty because the birds work relentlessly to sip from each flower tube. Usually there is never more than one Oriole in the patch at a time. This year though a young Oriole followed an adult into their Garden of Eden. And, there are times when the hummingbirds get pretty possessive of the nectar rich flowers, but no matter how much the little hummers buzz around they cannot run off the Orioles. Kniphofias bloom in early spring and it takes a few blooms before the Orioles show up.

In the picture above, it is easy to see the grassy nature of the Kniphofia which adds extra texture and interest to the garden. This patch has self seeded so there are varying color patterns among the flowers but they are all in the yellow to orange range. The flowering spikes can reach 5 feet tall. The bloom right under the bird is shorter because it is newly emerging and smaller because it has not yet unfurled its flowers. New flower spikes continue to be produced for many months which lengthens the stay of the Oriole. There does not seem to be any advantage to removing spent flower stalks to encourage more bloom.

Red Hot Poker Plant Zone 5b

Kniphofia spp.

Red Hot Poker Plant Features

Red hot poker plants are easy to grow in well-draining soil. If you wish to start plants yourself, begin by collecting red hot poker seeds from a friend or neighbor, or order them from a reputable nursery. Here are a few tips on how to plant red hot poker seeds for a successful crop of “torch lily” that will bloom for years. Echo Rojo Red Hot Poker. But perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the.

  • Common Name: Red Hot Poker Unlike a poker player, this plant is more than happy to show you all of its fantastic cards: useful garden height, vigor in the landscape, and a rich flower color. After the first flush of flowers, this Kniphofia will continue to rebloom with new flower spikes, staying in bloom for most of the summer.
  • How to Grow Kniphofia Plants Guide to Growing Red-hot-poker, Torch Lily, Tritoma, and Poker Plant. The genus Kniphofia contains hardy perennials that reach from 60 to 150 cm in height. They have grassy leaves, that give rise to long stems with a head of downward facing tubes of flowers.

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.

Buy Red Hot Poker Plants

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Red, Yellow

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies
    Attracts hummingbirds
    Deer/rabbit resistant

Complement your Red Hot Poker with these varieties:
Artemisia
Tall Artemisia varieties make a good partner for Red Hot Poker because the gray leaves are very complementary.
Zone
Coneflower
The bold daisy-like flowers of Coneflower provide a colorful contrast to the spiky flower stalks of Red Hot Poker.

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

Varieties: Our Favorites

Red Hot Fire Poker Plant

Echo Mango Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia uvaria 'Echo Mango'

Red Hot Poker Plants For Sale

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

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

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

Papaya Popsicle Red Hot Poker

Red Hot Poker Plant Zones

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

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