The Kniphofia is a member from the Asphodelaceae family and is commonly named red hot poker or torch lily. Most species come from eastern and southern Africa, but also two species come from Madagascar and one from Yemen. The Kniphofia species differ in height, flower colours and flowering times. Most species are evergreen.
The Kniphofia has very characteristic flowers. On a long, leafless scape many small flowers form a dense, elongated spike. The small, tubular flowers are produced in shades of red, orange, yellow and creme.
The red hot poker grows rhizomes and fibrous, fleshy roots and spreads using the rhizomes.
Most Kniphofia species naturally grow near rivers or in places where conditions become damp or marshy for part of the year. Only a small number of species prefer dry conditions with good drainage.
Red hot pokers are heat and salt tolerant. They prefer a sunny spot, but they tolerate some shade. Less sun means less flowers. They like well-drained, fertile and slightly moist soil. They do not like moist soil in the winter.
The Kniphofia does not like to be disturbed. They will take about a year to settle down after being divided and will not flower well. It is best to only dig them up if their flowers show signs of deterioration through overcrowding.
You can propagate red hot pokers by seed or by division. Division will be quickest because seed will take a long time to produce flowering plants. It is best to divide in spring.
The Kniphofia ‘Alcazar’ is evergreen. If you apply winter protection in winters that are colder than -15 ºC (5 ºF) they can survive colder winters as well. Do not cut back the leaves before the winter.
The flower scapes are 1.2/1.4 metre (4/4.5 feet) high. The flowers are orange and mature to yellow. They make excellent cut flowers and attract bees and butterflies.
The strap-like leaves grow to about 1.2 metre (4 feet) long. Because they are so narrow they will fold at about 60 cm from the ground.
This red hot poker is tolerant to drought.
Watch out for snails and slugs. They eat the scapes and the flowers.
Attracts bees: yes
Characteristic: evergreen
Exposure: sun/part shade
Flower colour: orange
Flowering time: July – August
Foliage colour: green
Fragrant flower: no
Hardiness: -15 ºC (5 ºF)
Height: 60 cm (24 inches)
Soil: normal/moist