Kniphofia ensifolia
sword-shaped red-hot poker
K. ensifolia is a robust, evergreen perennial forming clumps of arching, narrow, blue-green leaves up to 1.5m long. The flowers open, base to top, pale yellow from reddish-orange buds in late summer to mid-autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Orange Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
Autumn | Orange Yellow | Green Grey Silver | ||
Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- South Africa
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. Propagate by taking offshoots from the crown
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- 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
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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