Perennial
Red Hot Poker
Kniphofia uvaria
Torch-shaped blooms over grassy evergreen foliage. Architectural and thrifty.
- Pollinator
- Hummingbird
- Evergreen
- Deer-resistant
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–9
- Water
- Low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 2–4 ft tall × 24–36 in. wide
- Bloom & interest
- Torch-shaped red-to-yellow spikes, early to midsummer
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Native range
- Not native to the US (non-invasive garden plant)
Why we recommend it
Bold torch-like spikes provide dramatic architecture and irresistible hummingbird nectar, with drought toughness once established and evergreen grassy foliage.
Best regions: Front RangeGreat BasinHigh DesertSouthern California
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water weekly the first summer; established clumps want a deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer heat.
Pruning
Cut spent flower stalks at the base. In cold zones, tie the leaves up over the crown in fall and clean up dead foliage in spring.
Soil
Well-drained soil; wet winter soil rots the crown.
Pairs well with
Read more
- 15 Best Drought-Tolerant Perennials That Bloom All Summer
- The Best Xeriscape Plants for Zone 6
- Deer-Resistant Xeriscape Plants: 16 Low-Water Picks Deer Usually Skip
- 20 Pollinator Plants for a Low-Water Garden
- Xeriscaping in Fort Collins, Boulder & Loveland: Plants, Rebates & Design for Northern Colorado
Where to buy
Shop Red Hot Poker from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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