Kniphofia Hybrids, torch lily, red hot poker
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Perennials

Kniphofia Hybrids

torch lily, red hot poker

Asphodelaceae

Sub-Saharan Africa, primarily South Africa; hybrid cultivars of garden origin

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageEvergreen
Height24–60 inches (60–150 cm)
Width18–36 inches (45–90 cm)
Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

5 - 9
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Hummingbirds
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancelow

Overview

A clump-forming perennial reaching 24–60 inches (60–150 cm) tall in bloom and 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) wide, depending on the hybrid. Leaves narrow, strap-like to grass-like, 18–36 inches (45–90 cm) long and 0.5–1 inch (1.2–2.5 cm) wide, arching, mid- to dark green, forming dense basal clumps. Flower spikes erect on stout stems above the foliage, bearing dense cylindrical racemes of pendent tubular florets 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) long. The classic bicolor effect — orange-red to scarlet buds opening downward to yellow or cream — gives the characteristic torch appearance, though modern hybrids include single-color selections in white, cream, yellow, coral, orange, and red. Bloom season varies by hybrid: early-season types bloom May through June, mid-season July through August, and late-season September through October. Excellent hummingbird plant. Hardy in USDA zones 5–9 depending on the hybrid; drainage in winter is critical to cold hardiness.

Native Range

Kniphofia species are native to sub-Saharan Africa, primarily South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, and Ethiopia, growing in moist grasslands, streambanks, and rocky slopes at varying elevations. Hybrid garden cultivars are derived from multiple South African species and do not have a specific native range.

Suggested Uses

Used as a bold specimen plant or in mixed borders at 24–36 inch (60–90 cm) spacing. The dramatic flower spikes provide strong vertical accent. Excellent hummingbird and pollinator plant. Combines well with ornamental grasses, crocosmia, rudbeckia, and echinacea in summer and fall borders. Cut flowers last 5–7 days in water.

How to Identify

Identified by dense clumps of narrow strap-like basal leaves and erect flower spikes bearing cylindrical racemes of pendent tubular florets. In the classic bicolor form, upper (younger) buds are orange-red to scarlet and lower (older) open florets are yellow or cream, producing the characteristic torch effect. Distinguished from Crocosmia by much larger, upright flower spikes and the absence of branching; from Hemerocallis (daylily) by the tubular pendent florets on an upright spike rather than open funnel flowers on branched scapes.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 5'
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

orange
red
yellow
cream
white
coral

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks
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SpringSummerFall
Bloom season varies significantly by hybrid. Early hybrids flower May through June; mid-season types July through August; late-season types September through October. Extended-bloom selections may flower from June through September with multiple flushes. Individual spikes remain ornamental for 2–4 weeks. Removing spent spikes at the base may encourage secondary spikes on well-established clumps.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Orange-red to scarlet (upper buds) to yellow or cream (lower florets); single-color hybrids in white, yellow, coral, red

Foliage Description

Mid- to dark green, narrow strap-like, arching

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsand
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained to dry, sandy or loamy soil. Excellent drainage is essential — wet winter soils cause crown rot and are the primary cause of cold-climate failure even in hardy hybrids. Space plants 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart. Water during establishment; once established, tolerates extended dry periods of 2–4 weeks. Do not fertilize heavily; lean soils produce better flowering. In zones 5–6, tie leaves together loosely over the crown in late fall to provide insulation, or mulch heavily. Divide overcrowded clumps every 4–5 years in early spring. Do not cut leaves back hard — the strappy foliage provides crown insulation.

Pruning

Cut spent flower spikes to the base after bloom — do not deadhead individual florets. Do not cut foliage back to the ground; the leaves protect the crown over winter. Remove dead or tattered outer leaves in early spring. Divide in early spring by separating offsets from the outer edge of established clumps.

Pruning Schedule

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summerearly spring

Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets