Red Hot Poker Kniphofia Uvaria

Like glowing red-hot fire pokers, the flower scapes of Kniphofia Early Hybrids are red at the tips, orange in the middle and pale yellow at the bottom. They are absolutely striking in the garden and make an outstanding focal point when in bloom from early to late summer. Deadheading will prolong the blooming period. After the plant is finished flowering, the sword-shaped leaves should be cut back by half to stimulate fresh new leaf growth. Kniphofia is a sun lover that likes it hot and dry, though a good supply of water is appreciated when blooming. It can be grown in any well-drained soil. Kniphofia is evergreen in mild regions and herbaceous in cooler zones. In both areas, it will benefit by having its leaf tips trimmed in the spring to stimulate healthy, new growth. In zones 5 and 6, the foliage can be tied up over the crown of the plant in the fall to exclude water from settling there and freezing, which would be deadly.