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Kniphofia ‘Buttercup’ (Red Hot Poker)

Red Hot Poker 'Buttercup', Poker Plant 'Buttercup', Torch Lily 'Buttercup', Tritoma 'Buttercup'

AGM Award
Kniphofia 'Buttercup', Red Hot Poker 'Buttercup', Poker Plant 'Buttercup', Torch Lily 'Buttercup', Tritoma 'Buttercup', AGM kniphofia, orange flowers, yellow flowers

Vigorous and free-flowering, Kniphofia ‘Buttercup’ features bronzed stems bearing attractive terminal spikes of tubular, bright yellow flowers gradually opening from green buds. Native to South Africa, this eye-catching plant provides weeks of color from early to mid-summer.

  • Changing color as the flower matures, this robust perennial displays the deepest shades in bud and fades as the flower opens, resulting in a bicolor look, adding interesting splashes of color to any sunny garden. The stout flowering scapes rise proudly above tufted clumps of narrow leaves.
  • Growing up to 30 in. high (75 cm) with a spread of 18-24 in. (45-60 cm), this Red Hot Poker enjoys a sturdy stem. However, some protection from strong winds would be recommended. 
  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • This rhizomatous perennial performs best in full sun, in a sandy soil that has been enriched with humus. However, any deep, moist but well-drained soil will do. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be reduced. Good drainage is essential to prevent crown rot
  • Droughtdeer, and rabbit tolerant, Kniphofias attract butterflies and are a favorite of hummingbirds.
  • Virtually disease free
  • Kniphofias provide interesting vertical accents in the garden, among other summer-blooming perennials. They look at their best with Achillea (yarrows), Helenium Autumnale (sneezeweed), Hemerocallis (daylilies), and Rudbeckia (coneflowers).
  • While primarily used in perennial borders, Red Hot Pokers are also well suited to naturalistic settings, water edges, or exotic style combinations. Plant them in front of an evergreen background, or as a stand-alone specimen – and be sure they will draw the attention of all onlookers. Never plant your Red Hot Pokers with their crown deeper than 3 in. (7 cm).
  • Remove spent flower spikes to encourage more bloom and protect their crowns in winter in hardiness 6.
  • The oliage tends to suffer in the winter months. You may want to tie foliage together in the fall to prevent water from entering the crown of the plant. Alternatively, you may cut the foliage off at the base in late fall.
  • Should be planted in the spring or in the fall.
  • Can be propagated by division or be grown from seed. Division should be done in the spring or late fall

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 4 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Kniphofia
Common names Torch Lily, Red Hot Poker
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Kniphofia ‘Lucky Lemons’ (Red Hot Poker)
Kniphofia ‘Creamsicle’ (Red Hot Poker)
Kniphofia ‘Fire Glow’ (Red Hot Poker)
Kniphofia uvaria (Red Hot Poker)
Kniphofia ‘Rocket’s Red Glare’ (Red Hot Poker)
Kniphofia ‘Solar Flare’ (Red Hot Poker)

Recommended Companion Plants

Galtonia candicans (Summer Hyacinth)
Stipa arundinacea (New Zealand Wind Grass)
Stipa gigantea (Golden Oats)
Helenium ‘Waltraut’ (Sneezeweed)
Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ (Threadleaf Coreopsis)
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Smooth Hydrangea)
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)
Agapanthus (African Lily)
Cannas (Canna Lilies)
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)

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Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)
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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 4 - 9
Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Xanthorrhoeaceae
Genus Kniphofia
Common names Torch Lily, Red Hot Poker
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid)
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 24" (60cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)
Not sure which Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker) to pick?
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