Kniphofia uvaria--Red-Hot-Poker, Torch Lily, Poker Plant
Kniphofia uvaria--Red-Hot-Poker, Torch Lily, Poker Plant
Poker Plant needs adequate room and produces bright yellow and orange flowers which give the impression of heated metal. The plants need a sunny location as they are intolerant of shade. Provide a well drained soil and abundant water during hot weather. The plant is not reliably hardy so needs winter protection. The foliage is evergreen and any dead foliage can be cut off in the spring. Remove fading flower spikes to encourage more bloom. Some gardeners dig the plants each fall and store them over the winter in a cold frame or cellar. Kniphofia makes an excellent cut flower.
Seed or division are the methods of propagation. The seed germinates in 10 to 20 days at 70 to 75 degrees. Division is done in the spring. Dividing may reduce blooming for one to three years. The divisions may be potted up until they are growing well.
