Photo of Kniphofia uvaria form by Toby Hudson

Photo by Toby Hudson

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Kniphofia uvaria

Also Known As

  • Red Hot Poker
  • Torch Lily

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 5a-10b

More Options

Kniphofia uvaria plant details

Kniphofia uvaria is a broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In spring orange, red and yellow flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and even moisture - occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Kniphofia uvaria

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: orange, red and yellow blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Kniphofia uvaria

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Orange-red coloured flowers.

By: Zephs

Unreliable in our hot deseert. Full Sun to Light Shade. Bright Red w/Yellow. Attractive to hummingbirds. Outdoor. Light/Bright Shade.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Late summer red tubular blooms are similar to Aloe’s torch sprays, attractive to hummingbirds. Hardy to 5 °F.
Almost indestructible perennial! Laughs at drought, loves the heat – thrives on total neglect! Aloe like pointed leaves – colorful torches in May on 4-5' stalks..shades of yellow, red and orange. These are seedlings so some variation is normal. A real 'establish and abandon' plant!

Gardening facts about Kniphofia uvaria plant

How to Grow Kniphofia uvaria

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
    • orange
    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Kniphofia for your garden

aka Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Kniphofia rooperi flower by Arenamontanus
View Plant

aka Red Hot Poker, Torch Plant

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 20"-36"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Kniphofia brachystachya flower, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-2'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Kniphofia 'Shining Sceptre' flower by Cistus Nursery
View Plant

More Options

aka Primrose Beauty Red Hot Poker, Primrose Beauty Torch Lily

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 3'

Width: 2'

  • sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Kniphofia 'Primrose Beauty' flower by Far Reaches Farm
View Plant

More Options

aka Giant Red Hot Poker

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6a-11

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Kniphofia northiae by Joshua McCullough
View Plant

More Options

+117 more Kniphofia
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