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Greater red-hot poker
Kniphofia x praecox
Red-hot poker, Torch lily (English), Vuurpyl (Afrikaans)
Tubular brightly coloured flowers (orange, yellow and red) in clusters (poker-shaped) along a long flowering stem and have strap-like leaves. Flowers in winter and attract many birds as they are nectar-rich. Naturally occurring in temperate regions in marshy areas. They multiply easily and form clumps. Is best grown from divisions and seedlings take 2-3 years to flower. Can handle some shade, but prefers full sun. Uses: Attractive looking flower in winter and draws many birds and insects to the garden. Has some traditional medicinal properties.
Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Fruiting time
Winter, Spring
Harvesting
Best grown from divisions rather than seed.
Propagation
Seed
Sowing time seed in Autumn. Germinate in about 6 weeks.
Rhizomes
Divide rhizomes
Division
Divide clumps and replant.
Special features
Attracts birds
Nectar rich flowers in winter invite sugar-loving birds.
Attracts useful insects
Nectar rich flowers invite butterflies and bees.
Wet sites
Naturally along wetlands and marshy areas.
Geography
Origin
Africa, from the Eastern parts of South africa to Sudan.
Natural climate
Temperate regions and coastal marshlands.
Environment
Light
Full Sun
Soil moisture
Wet
Soil PH preference
Neutral
Frost hardiness
Hardy
Uses
Notes
Attractive looking flower in winter and draws many birds and insects to the garden. Has some traditional medicinal properties.
Personality
Family
Asphodelaceae
Flower colour
Orange, yellow, red.
Scent
None
Problems
Problem free
Companion plants
Restios, Arum lilies and other wetland-type plants.
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