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Red Hot Pokers


Red Hot Pokers (Kniphofia spp.) are also known as torch lilies, poker plant, tritoma, or knofflers. Red Hot Pokers are native to Africa. The more commonly planted varieties are perennial that return each year with beautiful torch like flower clusters

 
that sit atop long spikes. Individual flowers in each cluster are tubular and may be various shades of orange, yellow, or bicolor.


 
 
 
Plants have long strap like leaves that resemble those of day lily.

 
The flowers produce nectar that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plants may reach 1’ – 3’ wide and 2’ – 4’ tall and when in bloom are quite spectacular. Red Hot Pokers do well in part to full sun with low to regular water. They are hardy to USDA zone 5. The nursery tries to keep these in stock through summer.


Photos & Narrative By:
Stephen Sain
Staff Plant Physiologist

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