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Kniphofia northiae (Giant Red Hot Poker)

Giant Red Hot Poker, Tritoma northiae

AGM Award
Kniphofia northiae, Tritoma Rooperi, Red Hot Poker, Poker Plant, Torch Lily, Orange Flowers, Orange Kniphofia, Orange Red Poker, Orange Tritoma
Kniphofia northiae, Tritoma Rooperi, Red Hot Poker, Poker Plant, Torch Lily, Orange Flowers, Orange Kniphofia, Orange Red Poker, Orange Tritoma

Noted for its handsome foliage and impressive flower spikes, Kniphofia northiae (Giant Red Hot Poker) is a striking evergreen perennial forming a rosette of broad, smooth, curved leaves. The foliage resembles the foliage of an aloe. Huge cones, densely packed with reddish-orange tubular flowers are produced from early summer to early fall. The flowers fade gradually to yellow and greenish-cream as they mature, creating a multicolor effect. Bold and exotic, this tall perennial from South Africa is the highlight of the late-season garden.

  • Grows up to 3-5 ft. tall (90-150 cm) with a spread of 3 ft. (90 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
  • Drought, deer 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 evergreen foliage 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.
  • Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division.
  • Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

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, Late), Fall
Height 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock 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

Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea (Moor Grass)
Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ (Black-Eyed Susan)
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)
Cannas (Canna Lilies)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Hummingbird
Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
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, Late), Fall
Height 3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Salt, Rabbit
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker)
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