Family: Asphodelaceae
Common Name: Red Hot Poker

These striking, erect-growing perennials from southern Africa, with handsome flower spikes borne on long, bare stems, make an attractive garden display, particularly as background plants. Numerous cultivars make better garden subjects than straight species. Most have flow­ers in shades of scarlet, yellow, cream and green, with many in two tones.

Species

K. caulescens, zone 7, growing to 1.2 m (4 ft), has rosettes of long leaves on a woody stem and dense, 15 cm (6 in) long spikes of flowers that turn from red to yellow.

K. foliosa, zone 9, with 1 m (3 ft) long, sword-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers on 30 cm (12 in) spikes, is from Ethiopia and grows to 1 m (3 ft).

K. northiae, zone 7, recognized by its very long, blueish leaves which sometimes reach 150 cm (60 in), grows to 1.5 m (5 ft) and bears 30 cm (12 in) spikes of yellow flowers, which are red in bud.

K. pumila, zone 9, which grows to 60 cm (24 in), has orange flowers and blueish foliage.

K. uvaria, zone 5, one of the most popular species, has coral red flowers and grows 1.2 m (4 ft) tall. Many hybrids of Kniphofia, in various flower colours, are available.

Cultivation

Kniphofias prefer light, well-drained soil and need plenty of water in hot weather. Once established, they tolerate drought well. Propagate from seed (new plants take up to three years to flower), or by division of the roots in spring. Cultivars must be divided.

Climate

There are species suited to various climates.