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John Rickard
Liliaceae
Kniphofia uvaria
Redhot Poker
The flowers of this interesting member of the lily family look like tall upright fiery torches of orange-red and yellow. Redhot poker is a semi-evergreen, clump-forming perennial that originates from the rocky montane regions of the South African cape. It forms dense clumps of green grassy arching foliage that has a rough scabrous texture when touched. The flowers spikes are comprised of many small tubular flowers that are bright orange-red while in bud and open to bright yellow. They appear on tall stems above the foliage from midsummer to early autumn. The bright beautiful blooms are also visited by bees and hummingbirds.
Redhot poker grows best in full sun and sandy or gravelly soil with some fertility. It is especially sensitive to wet winter soils, which is why sharp drainage is so essential. Cut spent flower spikes back to keep the grassy foliage looking neat. In warm climates the foliage is fully evergreen, still it is a good idea to cut it back in spring to allow for a fresh flush of leaves. This hardy and tough perennial is super for rock gardens or mixed borders and can be cut for summer arrangements.
9 - 1
5 - 9
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Perennial
Full Sun, Partial Sun
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
South Africa
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Drought
Medium
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
Clump-Forming
Summer, Fall
Showy
Yellow, Orange Red
Bicolor
Green
Green, Blue Green
Green, Gray Green
Yes
No
Single
Coarse
Matte
Cutflower, Foundation, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
Hummingbirds
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