Water
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and winter, as the plant becomes dormant.
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Also known as Cape Poker · Cape Torch-Lily · Ornamental Torch-Lily
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria) is a striking perennial with fiery red and orange flower spikes resembling a poker, adding vibrant color to gardens from summer to fall.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.
Well-drained, Sandy, Loam
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Hardy in most temperate climates; can tolerate light frosts once established.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Low
25% intensity
Feed lightly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the growing season, especially in dry periods, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn and winter, as the plant becomes dormant.
Overwatering can lead to root rot.
Deadhead spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. In late winter or early spring, before new growth starts, cut back the old foliage to about 10-15 cm above the ground to promote vigorous new shoots.
Divide established clumps in early spring or autumn. Carefully separate sections with roots and replant them immediately. Seeds can also be sown in autumn or early spring, but flowering may take several years.
Repotting is generally not required for Red Hot Pokers as they are herbaceous perennials. Established clumps can be divided every 3-5 years to rejuvenate them and control their size.
This also provides an opportunity to refresh the soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
Where Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Kniphofia |
| Species | Kniphofia uvaria |
Similar in genus Kniphofia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data