Red-hot Pokers (Kniphofia spp.) are easy to grow long-lived perennials from South Africa. (USDA hardiness zones 5b-9). They go by a number of common names including torch lilies and tritoma. Colorful floral spikes (with a little imagination) resemble sizzling pokers or fiery torches, visited often by hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.

Modern day cultivars are mostly hybrids and vary in plant height and flower color. One or more floral spikes arise 1.5 to 4 feet in height, depending on cultivar. Color choices include off-whites, yellows, oranges, reds, and blends of two or more tints. From late May thru October additional re-blooming occasionally follows if the spent flower scapes are rapidly deadheaded and clump(s) are irrigated.

Red-hot Poker excels when planted in average well-drained soil. Full to partial (6 hours minimum) sunlight is ideal. Most, but not all, cultivars are cold hardy in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6b-7a). Newer cultivars demonstrate improved cold hardiness. The sharp-edged grass-like foliage appears mostly evergreen and may be ravaged by rough winters. Prune back the old pokers to 3-4 inches above the soil line in late winter for a fresh re-start.

Many modern varieties are bred to grow shorter (under 20 inches) compared to the species, K. uvaria, which grows 3 feet and higher. Terra Nova Nurseries, an Oregon wholesale nursery, sells two series of dwarf red-hot pokers, bred for the both the container and garden market. The Poco® series has 5 color variations and the Popsicle® series comes in 6 hues. Late blooming ‘Fire Glow’ is a lovely 14-inch dwarf cultivar with large bi-color orange and red flower spikes. The Echo® Series, offered by Itsaul Nursery in Atlanta Georgia, grow 30-48 inches high, depending on cultivar. Echo Duo (reddish-orange), Echo Mango (apricot), and Echo Rojo (orange-creme) are popular choices.

The August 2024 issue of Fine Gardening magazine the Chicago Botanical Garden lists Red Hot Poker Test Results. Dr. Richard Hawke has been evaluating 28 red-hot poker varieties since 2020. The varieties that earned highest ratings include: K. ‘Gold Rush’ (48” yellow), K. ‘Joker’s Wild’ (36” deep orange), K. ‘Lady Luck’ (52” green, chartreuse), K. ‘Orange Blush’ (28” bright orange), K. ‘Rocket’s Red Glare’ (39” red, open yellow), K. ‘Sunset’ 27”, red-orange, open orange).

A 2-year and older plant clump is both heat and drought tolerant. Every 3-4 years, rhizomes should be dug and divided either in early fall or late winter. Red-hot pokers have few serious disease and insect issues. Root rot may become a significant problem if soil is poorly drained.