Kniphofia uvaria

Common Name:
Red Hot Poker

Description:
Kniphofia uvaria, commonly known as Red Hot Poker, is a bold and striking perennial that brings vertical drama and vibrant colour to the garden. This South African native is renowned for its tall, torch-like flower spikes in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, which emerge above a base of strappy, arching green foliage. Flowering from late spring through summer, and sometimes into early autumn in Melbourne's climate, Kniphofia uvaria thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It is both drought and frost tolerant once established, making it ideal for water-wise landscapes and low-maintenance borders. Loved by bees and birds, especially nectar-feeding species, this clumping plant is excellent for adding architectural interest to mixed perennial beds, cottage gardens, or contemporary designs.

Form:

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 1–1.5 m

• Width: 0.6–1 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• Red

• Orange

• Yellow

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Disease Resistant

• Bird Attracting

• Bee Attracting

• Herbaceous

• Perennial

• Drought Tolerant

• Frost Tolerant

• Architectural Interest

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans or animals.

Companion Plants:

• Salvia

• Agapanthus

• Echinacea

• Achillea

• Phormium