Are Red Hot Poker Perennial?

Red hot poker, also called torch lily or kniphofia, is a perennial plant in the family Asphodelaceae, subfamily Crocoideae. The genus Kniphofia consists of about 70 species, all native to Africa. Red hot poker is a summer-flowering plant that grows in U.S.

Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. It is a showy plant with tall spikes of tubular, orange or yellow flowers that bloom from late summer to fall. The flowers are followed by long, thin seed pods.

Red hot poker is an evergreen in warm winter climates, but it may be deciduous in colder areas. The plant grows 2 to 4 feet tall and wide.

It has long, strap-like leaves that are green or gray-green in color. The flowers are borne on tall stalks and are typically orange or yellow, although some varieties have red or pink flowers.

PRO TIP:Red Hot Poker plants (Kniphofia spp.) are perennial in most climates, growing back each year from the same root system. They typically bloom in late spring and early summer, but may continue to bloom into fall. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

Red hot poker is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some light shade. It prefers well-drained soil but is tolerant of most soil types.

Once established, it is drought tolerant. It is not particular about soil pH but does best in neutral to slightly alkaline soils.

Red hot poker is propagated by division or from seed. To divide the plants, dig up the clumps in early spring and replant them immediately.

To start plants from seed, sow the seeds indoors in late winter or early spring and transplant the seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Poker plants are generally trouble free, although they may be subject to fungal diseases such as root rot if they are grown in poorly drained soils. They are also attractive to aphids and other sucking insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil if they become problematic.