Photo of Kniphofia brachystachya flower, form by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

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Kniphofia brachystachya

Also Known As

  • Red Hot Poker
  • Torch Plant

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 20"-36"
  • W: 12"-24"

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

More Options

Kniphofia brachystachya plant details

Kniphofia brachystachya is a semi-evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In summer chocolate and yellow flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Kniphofia brachystachya

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 20 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: chocolate and yellow blooms in summer
Uses: cutting garden, long-blooming, rock garden, unique, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Kniphofia brachystachya

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

In form this Poker resembles other Pokers…the flower color is what really sets it apart from other species. These Pokers are a soft yellow in bud at the top of the floral spike and florets darken to cocoa as they age giving it a very different bi-color effect and are lightly scented. We enjoy these in Dr. Seuss flower arrangements! Height varies from 20” – 36”; blooms summer; full hot sun, most soils; drought and deer tolerant.
A small, narrow leaves species, only up to a foot and a half tall. Shape and structure of the flower spikes are typical for the genus, but the coloration is anything but, flowers are pale yellow in bud, but change to a very dark unusual chocolate brown as they open. Never going to be a color scheme in a flower that appeals to the mass market, but those of you who like unusual colors in the garden or want a totally unique cut flower, this is a plant for you. Hardiness uncertain, guessing 6 or 7

Gardening facts about Kniphofia brachystachya plant

How to Grow Kniphofia brachystachya

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
    • chocolate
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy
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