Kniphofia 'Tetbury Torch'

RHS Plant Profile
red-hot poker 'Tetbury Torch'
Herbaceous Perennial

A herbaceous perennial up to 90cm high with dark green leaves and dark red-tinged flower stems in late summer and early autumn with flowers which progressively darken further up the stem so that the flowers at the base open creamy yellow, those in the middle open rich apricot yellow, and the topmost flowers open dark orange; it may have two flushes of flowers, and the flowers are good for pollinating insects

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asphodelaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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; propagation for resale is illegal without a licence from the breeder

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Prairie planting
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
  • Banks and slopes
  • Cut flowers

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