Kniphofia rooperi

RHS Plant Profile
Rooper's red-hot poker

Synonyms

Kniphofia 'C.M. Prichard' misapplied
Tritoma rooperi
Kniphofia longicollis Baker

Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

Large clump-forming, evergreen perennial to 1.2m tall, with long, arching, broad, linear dark green leaves, and dense, broadly rounded spikes of tubular bright orange-red flowers open to yellow, in autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

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
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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Architectural
  • 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 diseae-free