Kniphofia (1 Gallon)

Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker) (1 Gallon)

Fiery Blooms, Bold Beauty — A Statement Plant for Your Garden

At Wright’s Market, we celebrate plants that bring both character and charm to your garden, and Kniphofia, also known as Red Hot Poker, is one of those unforgettable specimens. With its tall spikes of vibrant, tubular flowers that range from fiery red to bright yellow, Kniphofia adds a touch of drama and color to any landscape. Whether planted as a standalone focal point or grouped for impact, this plant always steals the show.

🌺 Striking Colors, Stunning Form

Kniphofia’s distinctive flower spikes rise up on tall stems, resembling the flickering flames of a fire—hence the name “Red Hot Poker.” These unusual flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies with their nectar-rich blooms. Its foliage is grassy and arching, offering a tropical feel that pairs beautifully with its fiery blooms.

🌞 Where It Grows Best

Kniphofia thrives in zones 5 through 9, making it an excellent choice for gardens across the South and beyond. It loves full sun and well-drained, slightly sandy or loamy soil. Kniphofia is also drought-tolerant once established, making it a great low-maintenance addition to the garden, especially in sunny borders, perennial beds, or rock gardens.

📏 A Towering Beauty

This plant grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet, with its flower spikes reaching upwards of 5 feet. Its narrow, sword-like leaves create an elegant, sculptural form, which remains attractive even after the blooms fade. Kniphofia’s bold stature makes it a statement plant that stands out in any garden setting.

🌼 Care Made Easy

• Water regularly during the first season to help establish strong roots, but be careful not to overwater.

• Prune dead flower stems after blooming to keep the plant tidy, and remove any dead or damaged leaves in early spring.

• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep the roots cool, especially during hot summer months.

• Fertilize sparingly with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth.

Why We Love It:
Kniphofia’s bold, fiery blooms and dramatic form add instant impact to any garden. Perfect for sunny borders, focal points, or wildlife gardens, this plant is a favorite for creating vibrant color and attracting pollinators. Best of all, its drought-tolerant nature and low-maintenance care make it a favorite for gardens that shine in the summer heat.

Plant Kniphofia and let its blazing colors light up your garden all season long.

Companion Planting Guide for Kniphofia

Pairing Kniphofia for an Electric Garden Display

Kniphofia's vibrant blooms make it the centerpiece of any garden. However, pairing it with complementary plants can help enhance its dramatic presence while also creating a harmonious design. Here are some plants that make great companions for your Kniphofia:

🌿 Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

The purple hues of lavender beautifully contrast with the fiery reds and oranges of Kniphofia’s flowers. Both plants thrive in full sun and are low-maintenance, making them perfect companions for a garden that requires little attention but delivers a lot of beauty.

🌸 Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.)

Coneflowers offer a bold, daisy-like bloom in shades of purple and pink that pair wonderfully with the fiery tones of Kniphofia. Both plants attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, creating a lively, vibrant garden that’s full of movement.

🌿 Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

For a soft contrast, pair Kniphofia with Russian Sage. Its silvery foliage and lavender-blue flowers provide a lovely backdrop to the bold color of Kniphofia. The airy structure of Russian Sage balances out the vertical spikes of Kniphofia, creating a dynamic and flowing garden design.

🌿 Grasses (Feather Reed Grass, Panicums)

Kniphofia looks especially stunning when paired with feather reed grass or other tall ornamental grasses. The soft, billowy texture of grasses contrasts with the rigid verticality of the Red Hot Poker blooms, offering a balanced, textured landscape that moves gently in the breeze.

Garden Design Idea: Bold and Bright Perennial Bed with Kniphofia

Designing a Fire-Element Garden with Dramatic Appeal

Create a show-stopping garden bed that celebrates the dramatic beauty of Kniphofia, paired with complementary plants that bring out its fiery elegance.

🌿 Design Overview:

• Theme: A sunny perennial garden full of bold, contrasting colors and interesting textures.

• Key Plants:

  • Kniphofia (as the centerpiece, adding vertical height and fiery color)

  • Lavender (planted at the front or edges, adding fragrance and cool tones)

  • Coneflowers (interspersed for additional color and pollinator attraction)

  • Russian Sage (to soften the fiery hues with its calming, purple-blue tones)

  • Feather Reed Grass (to add texture and movement)

• Layout:

  • Kniphofia takes center stage with its tall flower spikes, planted near the back or center of the garden bed.

  • Lavender and Coneflowers can be planted in front to create a lower, fragrant border of color.

  • Russian Sage can be used to fill in gaps, softening the overall look.

  • Grasses provide movement at the edges or as accents behind or around the main planting.

🌞 Care Tips for Your Bold Perennial Bed:

• Water deeply but ensure the soil drains well to avoid standing water.

• Prune Kniphofia after the blooms fade to maintain a tidy appearance.

• Deadhead Coneflowers regularly to encourage new blooms throughout the season.

• Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

This design will give your garden vibrant, year-round appeal, with the bold red, orange, and yellow tones of Kniphofia leading the way. It’s a stunning display that will attract pollinators and create a sense of drama in your garden.