Product Description
Kniphofia uvaria 'Early Hybrids'Common name: Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily or Tritoma.
Zones 5 to 9.
Full sun.
Plants reach 30 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide;
upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Evergreen in mild regions and herbaceous in cooler zones
Like glowing red-hot fire pokers, the flower scapes of Kniphofia are red at the tips, orange in the middle, and pale yellow at the bottom. Red Hot Poker is a garden focal point when in bloom from early to late summer. Deadheading will prolong the blooming period. After the plant is finished flowering, the sword-shaped leaves should be cut back by half to stimulate new leaf growth.
A sun lover that likes it hot and dry, Kniphofia can be grown in any well-drained soil, though a good supply of water is appreciated when blooming. Prefers rich, organic, medium-moisture, well-drained soils; and is intolerant of wet, heavy soils.
Kniphofia will benefit by having its leaf tips trimmed in the spring to stimulate healthy, new growth. In zones 5 and 6, the foliage can be mulched or tied together over the crown of the plant in the fall to keep water from settling on the crown and freezing.
Attributes: border plant, cut flower, drought and salt tolerant. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
