Caulescent Red-hot Poker

A handsome, architectural red-hot poker grown for its striking flowers and attractive leaves, Kniphofia caulescens is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial with narrow, sword-like, grey-green leaves. The fat poker flower-heads, borne from late summer to autumn on tall, very sturdy stems, are a beautiful, deep coral-red, fading to lemon-yellow from the base as the florets age. The pollen-rich flowers are very good for pollinators. Caulescent red-hot poker is an impressive feature plant for sunny beds and borders and good for gravel plantings in coastal areas. Protect the crown in winter in colder areas.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Light, well-drained, humus-rich, slightly acid to neutral soil, preferably moist
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Late summer to autumn
Hardiness: Fairly hardy
Height: 39 (1m) Spread: 39 (1m)