Kniphofia northiae

Also Known As

Giant Red Hot Poker

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 2'-4'
W: 2'-4'

planting zones

6a-11

More Options

Kniphofia northiae plant details

Kniphofia northiae is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer salmon and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Kniphofia northiae

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asphodelaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: salmon and yellow blooms in spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Kniphofia northiae

USDA Zones: 6a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An astonishing rosette of huge (6" at base, 6' long) grey-green leaves recurve and spiral around the center like an octopus... a sight in itself!, then joined by a 6' stalk topped by 1-3' of red-orange buds opening yellow. S/M/GDr

By: Forestfarm

The Giant Red Hot Poker is an usual Aloe relative native to the temperate regions of South Africa. Growing to a whopping 5 feet in height and breadth, this species has much wider and longer leaves than other red hot pokers and has rosettes that resemble some kind of exotic bromeliad in appearance. In late spring, the Giant Red Hot Poker send up a single flower stalk from each rosette that earns this genus it’s common name, with gradating colors from red to yellow that give the bloosoms a fiery quality. The Giant Red Hot Poker is easy to grow in mild winter climates, appreciating full sun and reliably moist but well-drained soils. For sale are seeds harvesting in July 2020, approximately 10 seeds per packet. Cold hardy to zone 8a and above, or to approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

By: Wanderlust Nursery

This bold and exotic evergreen poker is my favourite. Unlike other red hot pokers that have fine, somewhat disheveled leaves, this species sports broad bluish green architectural foliage with dramatic effect. An early summer bloomer, the thick spikes offer huge cones of fiery flowers to five feet. It will bloom at the same time as bearded iris and Allium 'Globemaster'.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Okay, I know I’ve said this before but this is really my favorite Kniphofia! The foliage is fantastic; looking like an octopus has taken up residence in your garden. The long leaves curl about the 4-6’ exotic looking rosettes. The 5’ tall inflorescences form a showy 18”-long thick stalk of yellow-orange flowers in Summer. This Aloe-looking Kniphofia is native to South Africa & happy almost anywhere, as it is not fussy about soil and tolerant of wet & dry & even clay soil. Awesome in large containers, too! This Kniphofia is also named after one of my heroes, Marianne North (1830-1890), a botanical artist that painted plants all over the world when it was uncommon for a woman to travel so much. Kniphofia northiae is featured in one of her paintings. Highly recommended!

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gray green leaves form a rigid arching outline like an unarmed Agave & give rise to a large torch sized orange and yellow flower. 4' x 4'. Best with regular water.

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

A hot poker that always looks good. Evergreen plant, from seed collected in South Africa by Cistus, has yucca-like leaves, to 6” wide x 2' long, and a bit of a trunk. Thick flowers of creamy yellow topped with salmon appear in early spring and often in fall. Full to part sun in any soil, any drainage. Drought tolerant but best with summer water. Adaptable! Cold hardy to USDA zone 6.