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(Kniphofia uvaria)
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
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Di Turner
Public Domain
Image By:
Di Turner
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Di Turner | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Di Turner | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-04-06T10:36:50-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Kniphofia uvaria, commonly known as Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily, is a perennial herb native to the montane grasslands and savannas of South Africa. It typically grows to a height of 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet) with a spread of 0.5-1 meter (1.5-3 feet). The plant forms clumps of grass-like, evergreen leaves, and its striking flower spikes can reach up to 1.5 m (5 ft) in height. The inflorescences are composed of tubular flowers that transition in color from red at the top to orange and yellow towards the base, blooming from late spring to late summer. The flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
Red Hot Poker is valued for its dramatic flower spikes, which add vertical interest and vivid color to borders, wildflower gardens, and cottage gardens. It is also used as an accent plant in urban and coastal landscapes. This plant thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy or loamy. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can suffer from crown rot in poorly drained soils and may be affected by slugs and snails. In some regions, such as California, Kniphofia uvaria is considered potentially invasive, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Red Hot Poker is valued for its dramatic flower spikes, which add vertical interest and vivid color to borders, wildflower gardens, and cottage gardens. It is also used as an accent plant in urban and coastal landscapes. This plant thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy or loamy. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While it is generally easy to maintain, it can suffer from crown rot in poorly drained soils and may be affected by slugs and snails. In some regions, such as California, Kniphofia uvaria is considered potentially invasive, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Orange, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Montane grasslands and savannas of South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Red Hot Poker , Tritomea , Fackellilja
Scientific Names: Kniphofia uvaria , Kniphofia alooides , Tritoma uvaria , Kniphofia burchellii , Veltheimia uvaria , Tritoma burchellii , Tritomanthe burchellii , Aloe uvaria , Kniphofia bachmannii , Kniphofia occidentalis
GBIF Accepted Name: Kniphofia uvaria (L.) Oken