Kniphofia sarmentosa

Also Known As

Red Hot Poker
Torch Lily

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-6'
W: 2'-4'

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Kniphofia sarmentosa plant details

Kniphofia sarmentosa is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with blue and green foliage. In spring and winter chartreuse, cream, orange, pink and red flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Kniphofia sarmentosa

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: chartreuse, cream, orange, pink and red blooms in spring and winter

GROWING CONDITIONS for Kniphofia sarmentosa

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

December through March coral-orange flower spikes smile in the face of bitter winter weather. Unlikely as it may seem, they come from South African mountain streams, blooming in the rains, colonizing in moist soil. They are a very welcome treat for the overwintering hummingbirds! 4-6' tall spike, 2' tall blue-green clump of narrow leaves.Minimum temperature: 0?F

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Visually striking evergreen poker from Australia that should receive more attention, perhaps even a little fame, in NW gardens. With large strappy leaves and tall orange-y flowers that open from the top of 3' tall stalks in the middle of winter (and are undamaged by cold), what's the hold-up? We're really not sure. Full sun best. Height and width both to around 3'. Drought-tolerant and fairly easy to grow, even along the coast. We recommend planting them against a bright blue wall or in a cluster of the dry garden near agaves, grasses, and the like. Frost hardy to USDA zone 7. Xanthorrhoeaceae

By: Cistus Nursery

Big yellow & red-orange flowers, fat spike

By: Jockey Hill Nursery

This is an unusual Poker for a couple of reasons. One is that it is a winter bloomer and flowers can occur anytime during the winter to early spring. They are a nice orange in bud opening to a tawny buff. The other is that it really likes moist soil. Perfect for mild gardens or near a wall. From wild seed.

By: Far Reaches Farm

An intense & showy Winter Bloomer! Here's a “Red-Hot Poker Plant” from the Winter rainfall regions of South Africa & it is, like all the Kniphofias I've ever met, an easy to grow & low maintenance plant. Blooms of this species tend towards a particularly saturated deep reddish orange & fade to cream as they mature. Leaves are somewhat glaucous, strap-like & soft. Bloom time is in the latter part of Winter – what a nice warm color for February! Very rare in the trade, too. We may be the only nursery in the US to offer it. Plants grow to 3' tall & wide.