Red hot poker plants (Kniphofia) are a genus of perennial flowering plants native to Africa. They are known for their vibrant blooms of tubular flowers that come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. The flowers are clustered together on tall spikes that rise above the foliage. The foliage is typically grass-like and can be either evergreen or deciduous. Red hot poker plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and they are drought-tolerant once established. They are also deer-resistant and can be used in borders or as a focal point in the garden.
Planning Your Garden With Red Hot Pokers
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Red hot pokers are perennial. |
| USDA Zone | Red hot pokers (Kniphofia spp.) are hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. |
| Cold Tolerance | Red hot pokers can tolerate temperatures down to 25. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest for red hot pokers is 90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown red hot poker plant is between 1 and 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Red hot pokers prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun. When planting, space them about 18 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and room for growth. |
| Sun tolerance | Red hot pokers prefer some shade during the day, but they can tolerate full sun if they are provided with adequate moisture. |
| Shade tolerance | Red hot pokers are moderately shade tolerant, but they will produce the most vibrant blooms when planted in full sun. |
| Water requirements | Red hot pokers need well-draining soil and plenty of sun to thrive. They should be watered deeply and regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. During the summer months, they may need to be watered every day or every other day. In the winter, water less frequently, about once a week. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing red hot pokers will depend on the type of soil you are using and the specific needs of the plant. Generally, a balanced fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet. It is also important to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the best results. |
| Soil pH | The optimum pH for growing red hot pokers is 6.0 to 7.5. |
Why Red Hot Pokers are Popular
Red hot pokers are a beautiful and striking addition to any garden. They have attractive foliage and bright, vibrant flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are also easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of climates. The flowers can be used to create stunning arrangements, and many people enjoy the challenge of growing them.
Companion Plants For Red Hot Pokers
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for red hot pokers include:
Common Pests For Red Hot Pokers
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow red hot pokers, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- snails
- thrips
- slugs
- aphids
- caterpillars
- whiteflies
- spider mites
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
