Red hot pokers (Kniphofia) are herbaceous perennials prized for their tall, showstopping flower spikes in bright red, orange, yellow, and other colors. They are also commonly known as torch lilies, and though they do share some characteristics they are not true lilies (i.e., they are not members of the Liliaceae family). Show
There are more than 60 species in the Kniphofia genus, and most varieties available today are hybrids. Among the most popular are the dwarf cultivars that have clumping foliage reaching one to two feet high and flower stalks that stand over two feet tall. By comparison, one common species, Kniphofia uvaria, reaches 3 to 4 feet in height. Being rhizomatous, red hot pokers can be aggressive growers in favorable conditions; they are even considered invasive in some areas. They are attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies but, fortunately, not to deer. Botanical NameKniphofiaCommon NameRed hot poker, torch lily, torch flower, African flame flower, Devil's pokerFamilyAsphodelaceaePlant TypeHerbaceous, perennialMature Size3-4 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wideSun ExposureFullSoil TypeWell-drainedSoil pHNeutralBloom TimeSpring, summerFlower ColorRed, yellow, orangeHardiness Zones5-9Native AreaSouth Africa The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova Aimin Tang / Getty Images Red Hot Poker Plant CareThis repeat-bloomer benefits from deadheading to encourage prolific flowering. Blooms lowest down on the flower stalk dry up and fade first, turning a pale brown. This fading then progresses up the rest of the stalk until reaching the top bloom which is the last to lose its color. If you live on the colder side of the growing range, mulch your plants for winter protection and wait until spring to prune back the foliage. The leaves will furnish a bit of extra protection against the cold. You can also bind the leaves together to create a protective cover for the plant's crown (otherwise, it's fine to remove a few unwanted leaves here or there throughout the growing season). In spring, prior to the growing season, trim the foliage base to a few inches above the ground to give the plant a fresh start for the growth ahead. Red hot pokers spread via rhizomes, eventually forming clumps that can become overcrowded. You can divide them in spring to minimize overcrowding, but it's best to remove offsets from the perimeter of clumps rather than dividing clumps down the middle. Division can damage the plant's bloom cycle, especially with mature clumps. WarningIn some areas, this plant spreads rapidly through aggressive rhizomes. Currently, it is considered invasive in California and Oregon. Please see the Invasive Plant Atlas for more information. LightGrow your red hot poker plants in full sun for the best blooms. They will tolerate some shade and can benefit from afternoon shade in climates with hot summers. SoilThese plants need soil that drains well. They are generally tough perennials, but poor drainage is one of the few things that will kill them. Damp soil is particularly problematic in winter, as it promotes root rot. WaterKniphofia has modest water needs once established. Water frequently after planting and less frequently in subsequent seasons. Temperature and HumidityIndigenous to South Africa, red hot pokers can be hardy as far north as zone 5, especially with good drainage and mulch, through zone 9. In cold climates, winterize the plants by covering their crowns with mulch. FertilizerPlants in nutritious soil typically do not need feeding. If the soil is poor, feed with a slow-release fertilizer to promote blooms. Types of Red Hot Poker
PruningWhen flowers begin to fade, simply cut them away from the stem with a sharp pair of garden shears. Cut them about one-half inch below the flowers. Propagating Red Hot PokerRed hot poker plants can be propagated by division or seeds. To divide, simply lift the plants from the ground and tease the clumps apart with your fingers. They can be replanted immediately. How to Grow Red Hot Poker Plants From SeedThe entire flower of the red hot poker is filled with seeds. Cut the flower heads as they begin to fade and let them dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours. Break open the florets and let the seeds drop into a container. Place the seeds in the refrigerator for one month. Sow the seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before you intend to plant them in the ground. Use pots that are several inches deep, as red hot poker plants form a long taproot. Keep them in good quality potting soil, keep that soil moist, and keep the temperature between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Plants should germinate within 28 days or so. In warmer areas, you can sow the seeds directly into the garden. OverwinteringProtecting red hot poker plants for the winter is simple; in colder climates, simply cover the plants with an insulating layer of mulch. Remove the mulch when spring rolls around. Common Pests and Plant DiseasesThrips may appear in some areas for red hot poker plants, though the genus experiences no other significant pest or disease problems. How to Get Red Hot Poker to BloomIf your plant is not blooming, consider where it's planted. Remember that full sun is necessary; Have other plants grown enough that they now create shade? Look at the crown of the plant as well. It should be buried no more than three inches deep in the soil. Remove all foliage down to the base of the plant in the fall. It should bloom in the spring. If not, it's time to dig up the plant and divide the clumps to give it more room to grow. FAQ
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Article Sources The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Do red hot poker plants come back every year?As fall arrives, you may see your red hot poker plant's leaves wilting. The plant will go dormant for winter and much of the foliage yellows at this time. The plant rests for several months to begin growing again in spring.
What zone does red hot poker grow in?Red Hot Pokers are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9. In cold areas, if you can grow an Adam's needle (Yucca filimentosa), you probably can grow Red Hot Poker. The key, though, is water drainage. While the crown and roots are hardy, they cannot withstand sitting in soggy soils, especially in winter and early spring.
When should red hot pokers be planted?Planting: Plant red hot pokers in spring or fall. It's best to start with transplants. Plant so the crown is 3 inches or less deep. Red hot poker plants can be started from seed, but the seed needs a chilling period, consistent 70F temperatures and still may take up to 3 months to germinate.
How long does it take to grow red hot pokers?Plants grown from seed may take as long as 3 years before the first flowering. If an established red hot poker does not bloom, it may indicate a nutrient deficiency. If phosphorus and potash are not available to plants in sufficient quantities, flowering cannot develop.
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