The botanical name for Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily used to be Tritoma. But today, its Kniphofia (pronounced Nip-fo-phia) and more popular every year. Brilliant Alcazar grows up to about 4 feet tall with the signature bright red and yellow flower-spikes. (the red flowers are the freshly-opened ones, they turn yellow as they age.)
Good perennial gardeners use these for big focal points at the back of the border or in the center of island beds, where they never disappoint. After flowering, they're not much to look at, so cut down the flower stalk and the foliage about half way, and it'll all be back next year.
How-To: Red Hot Poker is really easy to grow, but remember, this plant is from South Africa. That tells you it wants full sun and sharp-draining soil. In its native range, its used to rocky poor soil, so keep that in mind. No mushy muddy peat around this one!
More InformationSKU | AFLJ331 |
Common Name | Torch Lily or Dwarf Red Hot Poker |
Botanical Name | Kniphofia |
Zones | 6, 7, 8, 9 |
Light Requirements | Full Sun |
Mature Height | 12-18" tall |
Estimated Mature Spread | 14-18" wide |
Bloom Time | Early summer to fall |
Planting Depth | Crown of plant should rest just at or above the soil surface after watering in. |
Ships As | Potted Plant |
Soil Type | Sandy Soil, Loamy Soil, Drought/Dry Soil |
Soil Moisture | Dry, Well Draining |
Advantages | Attract Butterflies, Attract Hummingbirds, Attract Birds, Good For Cut Flowers |
Planting Time | Fall |
Item Unit | Plant |
Ships to Hawaii, Alaska & Canada | No |