Red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
Care, watering, light and tips for Red hot poker on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asphodelaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Red hot poker
Kniphofia uvaria, commonly known as 'Red-hot Poker' or 'Torch Lily', is a spectacular herbaceous perennial renowned for its spiky, torch-like or rocket-shaped inflorescences. Its vibrant flowers, transitioning from red to orange and yellow, make it a striking focal point in flower beds, rock gardens, and perennial borders, providing distinct vertical structure. It is ideal for Mediterranean or xeriscape gardens, as well as for creating contrasts in color and height.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure for optimal flowering, though it tolerates some partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be regular during the growing season, avoiding waterlogging, and reduced in winter, as it is susceptible to root rot. It requires well-drained, sandy or loamy soil, and benefits from winter mulching in cold areas to protect the roots. A common mistake is overwatering or planting it in heavy, poorly drained soils, which leads to fungal diseases.
How to save a dying Red hot poker
- Warning signs
- Wilting or yellowing leaves from base, sparse/no flowering, dry tips. May indicate over/underwatering or poor soil.
- First aid
- Check soil moisture. If dry, water deeply. If waterlogged, improve drainage. Fertilize if not flowering during season.
- What kills it
- Constant waterlogging, which rots its roots. Also prolonged extreme drought in summer. Low light reduces flowering.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's a resilient plant. Remove damaged parts and adjust watering and location.