Kniphofia 'Poker Face' PP30346

Common Name: Red Hot Poker

Unlike a poker player, this plant is more than happy to show you all of its fantastic cards: useful garden height, vigor in the landscape, and a rich flower color. Red-orange flower spikes appear above a substantial clump of grass-like foliage. After the first flush of flowers, this Kniphofia will continue to rebloom with new flower spikes, staying in bloom for most of the summer.

Tested for hardiness in our Michigan zone 6, heavy snowfall winters, and could be hardier with winter mulch and protection.

Commonly called Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily for their tall flower spikes. These South Africa natives offer tremendous garden value by combining grass-like foliage with tall flower scapes. An excellent perennial for the middle of the border.

Available Sizes (Wholesale):

Product Profile

Height:

34.0-38.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

5B,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Orange Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer Late Summer Rebloomer Long Blooming

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Bee Friendly

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic Formal Modern Prairie Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Drought Tolerant Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

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 4-6, 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.

Kniphofia

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Grade #1

Container:

Premium 1 Gallon Pot

When to Plant:

Late winter to spring

Finish:

10-12 weeks

72ct

Container:

Trade 1 Gallon Container

When to Plant:

Late winter to spring or mid to late summer

Finish:

10-12 weeks

Growing Temperature:

65-68° F

Holding Temperature:

50-60° F

Soil PH:

5.5-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0

Fertility:

Feed with a moderate rate of 100-150 ppm N at each watering.

Vernalization:

Cold beneficial but not required. If desired, provide 6-8 weeks of temperatures below 45° F.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, spider mites and thrips are the most common insects growers are likely to see during production. Rust, Alternaria, Botrytis and Sclerotium are the most common diseases to infect kniphofia.

Potting & Timing:

Late summer planting of small plugs is best. Bare root works well for spring planting.

Moisture:

Moderate moisture is best. Media can be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.

Planting Level:

Crown level with soil line.

PGRs/Pinching:

Spray applications of 30-45 ppm paclobutrazol (Bonzi, Paczol or Piccolo) or 5-7.5 ppm uniconazole (Concise or Sumagic)
Multiple applications may be required.

Lighting:

Long day beneficial.
14-16 hour daylengths reduce the time to flower.

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Characteristics

Height:

34.0-38.0 Inches

Spread:

18.0-24.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

5B,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Orange Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Midsummer Late Summer Rebloomer Long Blooming

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Bee Friendly

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Eclectic Formal Modern Prairie Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Drought Tolerant Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Companions

Gardening Tips

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.

Cultural Info

Kniphofia

Download .PDF

Grade #1

Container:

Premium 1 Gallon Pot

When to Plant:

Late winter to spring

Finish:

10-12 weeks

72ct

Container:

Trade 1 Gallon Container

When to Plant:

Late winter to spring or mid to late summer

Finish:

10-12 weeks

Growing Temperature:

65-68° F

Holding Temperature:

50-60° F

Soil PH:

5.5-6.5

EC (What is EC?):

2.0-3.0

Fertility:

Feed with a moderate rate of 100-150 ppm N at each watering.

Vernalization:

Cold beneficial but not required. If desired, provide 6-8 weeks of temperatures below 45° F.

Pests & Diseases:

Aphids, spider mites and thrips are the most common insects growers are likely to see during production. Rust, Alternaria, Botrytis and Sclerotium are the most common diseases to infect kniphofia.

Potting & Timing:

Late summer planting of small plugs is best. Bare root works well for spring planting.

Moisture:

Moderate moisture is best. Media can be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.

Planting Level:

Crown level with soil line.

PGRs/Pinching:

Spray applications of 30-45 ppm paclobutrazol (Bonzi, Paczol or Piccolo) or 5-7.5 ppm uniconazole (Concise or Sumagic)
Multiple applications may be required.

Lighting:

Long day beneficial.
14-16 hour daylengths reduce the time to flower.