Kniphofia uvaria - Red hot poker - €7 per plant 

Kniphofia uvaria is a beautiful herbaceous perennial that attracts a range of invertebrates and looks stunning when the pale yellow, apricot, orange, and red flowers bloom during the summer. It's particularly well suited to coastal gardens, tolerating maritime conditions and although not considered fully hardy in our experience the plant will tolerate cold winters down to -15C.  The plant is commonly grown in flower gardens and makes a great addition in a support polyculture in a full sun location. To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: S.Africa
  • native habitat: Damp slopes and marshy ground​
  • family: Asphodelaceae

Predators

  • Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits
  • Aphids can sometimes attack flowerheads

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
  • Prefers moist soil 
  • The plant can tolerate maritime exposure

Known hazards 

  • None known

Overview

​​
  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 1m  by 2m
  • In flower from August to September.
  • The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
  • It is noted for attracting wildlife. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils.
  • Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.
  • It cannot grow in the shade.
  • It prefers moist soil.

Characteristics

  • form: herbaceous perennial 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit:  Clumping semi-deciduous perennial 
  • height x width (m): 2 x 1 

Products 

  • ​A very ornamental plant
  • Great for coastal gardens

Functions, behaviours

  • Attracts birds
  • Attractive foliage,
  • Attracts butterflies,
  • Suitable for cut flowers.
  • They can easily be propagated by division in spring
  • Long-lived perennial
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project