Kniphofia ‘Glowstick’ (1 Gallon) — Red Hot Poker

Light up your garden with the cheerful torches of Kniphofia ‘Glowstick’. This compact Red Hot Poker brings upright, glowing yellow flower spikes over tidy, grass-like foliage—perfect for adding sunny drama to borders, pollinator beds, and container groupings.

A Little History & Meaning

Native to the highlands of South Africa, Kniphofia (pronounced ni-FOH-fee-uh) is commonly called Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily for its candle-like blooms. Beloved by gardeners since the 1800s, these plants became cottage-garden favorites across Europe and the American South for their reliable color and drought toughness.
Symbolism: radiant optimism, courage, and celebration—fitting for a plant that quite literally “carries a torch.”

Where It Grows Best

• Sun: Full sun (6+ hours) for strongest bloom

• Soil: Well-drained, average to sandy soil; dislikes winter-wet feet

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9 (great for Coastal & SE Georgia)

• Use: Mixed borders, cutting gardens, xeric beds, along drives & sunny cottage plantings; thrives in heat and humidity once established

Care Made Simple

• Water: Keep evenly moist the first growing season; afterward, drought tolerant—water deeply but infrequently

• Feeding: Light granular or organic fertilizer in early spring; avoid heavy nitrogen

• Grooming: Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage a light rebloom; tidy foliage in late winter/early spring

• Division: Every 3–4 years in early spring or fall to keep clumps vigorous

• Winter note: In colder zones or poorly drained sites, plant slightly high and avoid heavy mulch on the crown

Design & Complimentary Plant Material

Pair ‘Glowstick’ with plants that echo its sunny palette and upright texture or that offer soft contrast:

• Pollinator partners: Salvia, Agastache, Echinacea (Coneflower), Yarrow, Gaura

• Southern staples: Lantana, Russian Sage (Perovskia), Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

• Grasses & structure: Muhlenbergia (Pink Muhly), Pennisetum, Blue Fescue, Lavender for a fresh, coastal-cottage vibe

• Containers: Combine with Silver Dust Dusty Miller, Angelonia, or Creeping Jenny for spill-thrill-fill magic

Quick Facts

• Botanical name: Kniphofia uvaria ‘Glowstick’ (Red Hot Poker / Torch Lily)

• Mature size: Foliage typically 18–24" tall and 16–20" wide; flower spikes can reach 24–30"

• Bloom time: Late spring to mid-summer with potential repeat flushes

• Wildlife: Hummingbirds & butterflies adore the nectar

• Deer resistance: Generally deer-resistant

1-gallon nursery pot. Plants are living things—size and stage may vary by season.
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