Caulescent red-hot poker 'Coral Breakers' Kniphofia caulescens 'Coral Breakers'

Water

Red hot pokers, including 'Coral Breakers', should be watered regularly with a deep soaking to ensure a well-established root system, especially during its first growing season. Once established, they are more drought-tolerant and require less frequent watering. Aim to water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, which should suffice unless there are prolonged periods of drought or extreme heat. During particularly hot or dry weather, water twice a week to maintain soil moisture. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease, and water early in the morning to allow any moisture on the foliage to dry before nightfall.

Light

For optimal growth, Red hot pokers require full sun conditions, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Place 'Coral Breakers' in an area of the garden that is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for most of the day to encourage the best flower production. Avoid heavily shaded areas, as insufficient light can lead to poor blooming and weak growth.

Temperature

Red hot pokers thrive in a variety of temperature conditions but prefer a range between 50°F and 75°F. 'Coral Breakers' can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F, making them suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. They can also withstand high temperatures well into the 90s, but consistent moisture should be maintained during extreme heat.

Pruning

Pruning Red hot pokers involves removing spent flower spikes to encourage more blooms and maintain a neat appearance. 'Coral Breakers' should be deadheaded after the flowers fade, usually in late summer or early fall. Additionally, cut back the foliage to the base in late winter or early spring to make way for new growth. Pruning is not typically required more than once or twice a year since Red hot pokers are relatively low maintenance regarding pruning needs.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Red Hot Poker ('Coral Breakers') thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A mixture of loamy soil, compost, and sharp sand to improve drainage is ideal. The soil should be fertile and moderately rich in organic matter to support its growth.

Repotting

Red Hot Pokers, like 'Coral Breakers', generally do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 3-5 years. They prefer to be left undisturbed as they establish clumps, so repot only when the plant outgrows its current space or the soil becomes exhausted.

Humidity & Misting

Red Hot Poker ('Coral Breakers') tolerates a range of humidity conditions but prefers a drier climate. Keeping the humidity levels moderate, similar to typical outdoor conditions, is best. Excessive humidity can lead to fungal diseases.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, minimal water.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, hardy.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Kniphofia caulescens 'Coral Breakers', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring when temperatures are warm and the days are long. The seedling then develops into a rosette of narrow, arching leaves, from which a thick, central flowering stem grows. During late summer to fall, the flower spike emerges, displaying tubular flowers that transition from coral at the top to yellow at the base, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. After pollination, the flowers produce seed capsules that mature and eventually release seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. In colder climates, the plant may go dormant in winter, with the foliage dying back and the plant conserving energy in its rhizome to survive until spring. With the return of favorable conditions, new growth resumes from the rhizome, beginning a new cycle of life for the Red Hot Poker.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia caulescens 'Coral Breakers') is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The ideal time to propagate is in early spring or late fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, gardeners should carefully dig up the clump of the plant and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system and several shoots. These sections should then be replanted in well-drained soil and watered thoroughly. This method allows the plant to recover quickly and grow into a mature plant much faster than it would through seed propagation.