Kniphofia sp. 'Step Back Loretta'

Also Known As

Step Back Loretta Red Hot Poker
Step Back Loretta Torch Lily

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 6'-9'
W: 4'-6'

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Kniphofia sp. 'Step Back Loretta' plant details

Kniphofia sp. 'Step Back Loretta' is a broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In summer orange and yellow flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and regular water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Kniphofia sp. 'Step Back Loretta'

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 6 FT - 9 FT - tall
Flowers: orange and yellow blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Kniphofia sp. 'Step Back Loretta'

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

You too had better step back if you don't want to get torched by this amazing giant poker. When my parents moved into their house, there was an enormous red hot poker plant that came with the garden. I have never seen one like it anywhere else, and I have not been able to find out what it is - it may be K. splendida. It blooms in August and may get to 9' tall (!!) including the flowers, though it seems to require full sun and fertilizer to achieve this size. The flower heads are huge, about twice as big as the common K. uvaria and roughly the same color. This is truly a spectacular and unique plant! It is leaf hardy to about 20 °F but certainly root hardy to 0 °F or lower. South Africa.