PlantFiles: Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily, Tritoma
Kniphofia uvaria 'Pfitzer's Hybrid Mix'

Every year when this plant "pokes" it heads out, it never ceases to amaze me how many heads it turns it's way! A very unique flower to say the least............. :-)

I initially believed this plant would be equally as hardy as Yucca but they are just a bit less so. In the right location out of the wind and with improved soil ....... I believe this plant would thrive in the Yakima Valley.

This plant is an evergreen in my garden. I transplanted rhizomes from one location to several. To my dismay it grows exceedingly well without any care and tends to take over. Now I am in the process of removing some of the plants-- a task made difficult by thoroughly imbedded snarls of resistant rhizomes. While frustrating, they may be worth the effort as they bring many hummingbirds to my garden.

Kniphofia are native to South Africa. A few species are deciduous and sprout again in the early summer, but most are evergreen. In winter or summer (depending upon the species), they produce dense inflorescence spikes above the level of the foliage. The small, tubular flowers on the spikes are produced in shades of yellow, red, orange and cream. Red hot pokers require moist well-drained soil (sandy, loamy soil is best) and full sun. Water them frequently while they are growing actively. All Kniphofia attract nectar-feeding birds.

They can be propagated by seed or division of the rhizomes, but division is the faster way to do it. Seed-grown plants take a long time before they bloom. After being divided, a year or two of growth is needed and they will flower well. Lift large clumps, divide using a spade and then re-plant.