What Is Red Hot Poker?
Red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) is a summer-blooming perennial loved by hummingbirds and butterflies. The flower spikes have hundreds of tubular blooms that resemble the glowing tip of a hot fireplace poker, in vivid shades of red, yellow, and orange.
The flowers open from the bottom up, starting bright and fading as they age. Flowering begins in midsummer and can continue into fall. The flowers can be cut and used in floral arrangements.
Each bloom of POCO™ red hot poker (Kniphofia POCO™ ‘Orange’) opens bright orange with red tips. As the flowers age, the color fades to a soft orange-yellow.
Ginger E. Long, © 2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Popular Colors and Varieties of Red Hot Poker
- Today’s varieties include many vibrant colors and plant sizes.
- Some varieties are multicolored with two or three colors on a flower spike.
- There are varieties available in single colors like orange, red, yellow, or white.
- Compact varieties can be found that grow no taller than 24 inches.
Best Companion Plants for Red Hot Poker
Plant red hot poker in gardens or containers for a tropical or vertical accent. It pairs beautifully with:
- Cool colors: Blue and purple blooms like salvia, Russian sage, and veronica complement its warm tones. White flowers, such as Shasta daisies, soften the bright flowers of red hot poker.
- Hot colors: Red, yellow, and orange flowers like cannas, black-eyed Susan, goldenrod, and monarda create a vibrant palette.
Many new varieties of red hot poker (Kniphofia POCO™ ‘Orange’) are dwarf plants that only reach 20 inches tall when blooming.
Ginger E. Long, © 2025 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Red Hot Poker Size and Foliage
The grassy foliage grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with flower spikes reaching a total plant height of 2 to 4 feet. Clumps widen over time.
- Semi-evergreen foliage stays green in winter.
- Dwarf varieties are available for smaller spaces.
Native Range of Red Hot Poker
Native to South Africa and other regions of Africa, red hot poker belongs to the Asphodeloideae family, which includes aloe (Aloe), daylilies (Hemerocallis), and foxtail lilies (Eremurus).
How to Grow Red Hot Poker Successfully
USDA Hardiness Zones
- Suitable for Zones 5 to 9.
Sunlight Requirements
- Needs at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for best blooms.
- Tolerates partial shade but will produce fewer flowers.
Soil Preparation
- Plant in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
- Avoid waterlogged soil, especially in winter, to prevent plant loss.
Watering Tips
- Water regularly until plants are established. Once established, they are drought-tolerant.
Fertilizing Red Hot Poker
- Use all-purpose fertilizer as needed during the growing season.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
- Leave foliage through winter for protection of the crown.
Propagation by Division
- Divide clumps in the spring or fall.
Pest and Disease Management
- Watch for thrips as potential pests.
- Prevent root rot by avoiding soggy soil.
Wildlife Resistance
- Naturally resistant to deer and rabbits.
Other common names for red hot poker are torch lily and tritoma.
Amy Dabbs, © 2025 Clemson Extension
For more information on growing perennials, see HGIC 1153, Growing Perennials.
For more information on drought-tolerant plants, see HGIC 1717, Plants that Tolerate Drought.
