Placeholder

Kniphofia typhoides

Also Known As

  • Brown Poker

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-4'

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

More Options

Kniphofia typhoides plant details

Kniphofia typhoides is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with blue foliage. In summer chocolate flowers emerge. Features glaucous and grassy texture. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular water. Does well in gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Kniphofia typhoides

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: chocolate blooms in summer
Uses: fragrant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Kniphofia typhoides

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Bees & nectar drinking creatures of all shapes & sizes will flock to visit this uber rare South African grassland native. Cattail-like, honey scented & nectar filled spires put on their show late-Summer through Fall. Clay is no problemo, but this Kniphofia likes a little more water than your average ?poker", not minding boggy, moist situations. It would be a great addition to any waterside garden. Strappy blue-green leaves are slightly twisted forming a cool spiral shape, growing to a 2-3' high & 2-4' wide clump that's best divided in Spring or early Summer. For those of you in cooler Winter areas, it's suggested to give baby plants a nice protective Winter covering of mulch. Hardy to 15 degrees F.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Interesting kniphofia species, the blue-green foliage, somewhat reminiscent of cattails, forms large clumps from which the flower stalks emerge in late summer bearing flowers also a bit cattail-like of an unusual cocoa-brown color and carry the aroma of coconut oil. So different as to be irresistible. Besides, hummingbirds like it. Winter deciduous, dying back to return in spring. Full sun in any reasonably rich soil with regular summer water. Frost hardy to -10 °F, USDA zone 6.

Gardening facts about Kniphofia typhoides plant

How to Grow Kniphofia typhoides

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • chocolate
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
    • grassy

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
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved