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Herbaceous Perennial

Kniphofia 'Cobra'

red-hot poker 'Cobra'

'Cobra' is a semi-evergreen perennial to 1m high with strap-shaped green leaves. In summer and autumn, tall, dense spikes of bronze buds open a soft burnt orange before fading with age to a creamy white

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream Orange White Green
Autumn Cream Orange White Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Kniphofia may be evergreen or herbaceous perennials, with linear or strap-shaped leaves and erect stems bearing a dense raceme of tubular, usually pendent flowers

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun and fertile, moist but well-drained soil that isn’t too wet over winter. See kniphofia cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division of established clumps in late spring or by taking offshoots from the crown

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut down old flower stems after flowering; old or dead leaves can be tidied up or removed in mid-spring

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, thrips, slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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