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Herbaceous Perennial

Kniphofia northiae

giant red-hot poker

An evergreen perennial producing a rosette of broad, smooth, strap-shaped leaves. The flowers have densely-packed florets opening a reddish-orange, fading through yellow to greenish-cream

Synonyms
Tritoma northiae

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream Orange Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical 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 or by taking offshoots from the crown

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Gravel garden
  • Coastal
  • 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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