Kniphofia uvaria nobilis (Red Hot Poker)

The Red Hot Poker with the most impressive flowers. Orange to 5ft or more in early summer. We’re often asked how to keep Kniphofias looking good in winter. We reply by suggesting that if the questioner ever finds out, to let us know. At least remove tatty old leaves.

Even the growing conditions are a bit mysterious. They certainly need light and good drainage. But then the biggest and most impressive Kniphofia flowers I’ve ever seen grow in a lightly wooded area of Ranelagh Gardens – adjacent to where the Chelsea Flower Show’s held. Maybe the rich soil and the benign London climate help.

They generally like it well drained but plenty of water down below. Not always easy to accomplish. Having said that, they’re easy and will grow on almost any soil. The question is – but how big??

Propagated by us by division.

Hardiness level Green

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IF IT HAS A GREEN TRAFFIC LIGHT

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Hardy anywhere in Britain below approximately 1000ft (300m)

This is only meant as a guide. Please remember we're always on hand to give advice about plants and their frost hardiness.

Please remember that these coloured labels are only a rough guide.

General Point about Plant Hardiness: The commonly held belief that it's better to 'plant small' is perfectly true with herbaceous plants, but not necessarily true with woody plants. They need some 'wood' on them to survive severe cold - so plants of marginal hardiness in very cold areas should really be planted LARGER, rather than smaller, wherever possible.