How to grow red hot poker – for low-maintenance and long-lasting flower spikes that pollinators adore

Red hot pokers, or Kniphofia, are high-impact, low-effort perennials, proving to be tough, reliable and showstopping. What more could you ask for?

Native to the eastern regions of South Africa, red hot pokers thrive in sunny locations. All species have distinctive tubular blooms that are arranged in clusters atop tall flower spikes, as can be seen in the images here. If you are a fan of red, orange or yellow in the garden, red hot pokers are, I think, the ultimate hot-colored perennial.

So, if you are looking to grow some of the best perennials that will bring a vibrant aesthetic to your yard, learning how to grow red hot poker plants is a good idea. Here, one master gardener reveals all you need to know to succeed.

How to grow red hot poker

Red hot pokers are some of the best tall perennials, providing a colorful vertical accent to borders. There are many different red hot poker varieties, with over 70 species and many more hybrids, so you are sure to find one to suit your taste and garden style.

Growing habits for red hot poker plants

'Red hot pokers are striking perennials that thrive in US hardiness zones 5 to 9,' says Tabar Gifford, plant expert and American Meadows master gardener.

'Native to the southern tip of the African continent, these plants thrive in sunny yards with well-drained soil. In fact, red hot pokers are better suited to survive drought than waterlogging, so avoid growing this perennial if you suffer from damp soil or have clay-based borders.

'The flowers are tubular and come in red, orange, yellow or white, typically blooming from summer through to early fall,' Tabar adds. 'They are considered some of the best perennials to attract hummingbirds, providing a continuous nectar source that pollinators will find irresistible.'

Planting red hot pokers is best done in early spring, usually around April or May, which will give them time to settle before the high heat of summer. Combine some enriched potting soil or mulch when planting to give your red hot pokers the best start.

When planting, gently tease out the fleshy roots and plant the rootball at the same depth it was in the plastic pot. Then, firm the soil with your foot before completing some deep watering.

Live Kniphofia plants are available to order from Amazon.

Tabar Gifford

Tabar is the Customer Experience and Partnership Cultivator at American Meadows and High Country Gardens. Tabar is also a Master Gardener and dedicated “plant geek,” who has a lifelong love for gardening and nature and a background in environmental studies. She gardens in zone 4 in Vermont.

Grow guide for red hot pokers

Soil: Red hot poker plants grow in very dry soil in South Africa and are well-adapted to drought conditions. Therefore, free-draining soils that have been slightly enriched with compost will suit them best. In general, red hot pokers can be grown in most soils, but waterlogging and damp soil is one of the few things that can kill them.

Light: Plant your red hot pokers in full sun, ideally with six or more hours of direct sunshine each day. They will tolerate some shade, particularly in warm, southerly regions, such as Florida or Texas, but in cooler northern states, give them as much sunshine as possible.

Fertilizing: Red hot poker plants thrive in free-draining, sandy and poor soils, and so feeding is not generally necessary. Mulching your plants once per year will help to improve the soil health will provide all the nutrients that your plants need. Feeding red hot pokers when it is not needed is a fertilizer mistake to avoid, and it can even damage the plant.

Pruning: You can either prune red hot poker stems in fall, after flowering has finished, or in late winter, before the new shoots emerge. You might prefer to leave the stems to stand through winter to provide interest in the winter garden, but the choice is up to you. If cutting back in late winter, be careful not to damage any new shoots emerging at the base of the plant.

Winterizing: In very cold areas, such as US hardiness zone 5, it is a good idea to protect the crown using the cut-down stems or homemade mulch. Taking the time to cover the crown will prevent rot and ensure that your plants return the following spring and summer.

Toxicity: Kniphofia spp. are generally regarded as non-toxic to pets and children.

FAQs

Are red hot pokers invasive?

Red hot pokers are known to be vigorous plants and can quickly establish and spread by rhizome. For this reason, they are considered invasive perennials in several US states, including California and Oregon. For more information on what you should and should not grow in your region, contact your local government office.

Can I grow red hot pokers in a small yard?

Yes, you can grow red hot pokers in small yards, but be warned they are vigorous plants and can quickly take over borders. 'In smaller space, why not learn how to grow red hot pokers in pots,' says Tabar. 'For container growing, use a large, deep pot with well-draining soil and position it in full sun to ensure healthy growth and abundant blooms.'

You could also try growing a dwarf variety in small borders or in pots, such as Kniphofia pauciflora, which has delicate red and yellow flowers and grows no taller than two feet.

In general, red hot pokers are considered pest-free, but you might notice a few holes in the flowers. This is nothing to worry about, but is the result of nectar thieves, with some short-tongued bees biting the flowers to be able to access the nectar deep inside.

Try planting red hot pokers alongside other joyful flowers, such as yellow heleniums, pink canna lilies or umber rudbeckias. For more inspiration, see our guide on perennials to pair together and fill your yard with color this year.