Caulescent red-hot poker 'John May' Kniphofia caulescens 'John May'

Water

The Red Hot Poker plant requires consistent moisture during its growing season (spring and summer), and it is recommended to water it approximately once a week with about 1 inch of water. However, watering frequency may need to increase during periods of extreme heat or drought, ensuring that the soil does not dry out completely. It's important to avoid waterlogging, so well-draining soil is essential. During the dormant season in fall and winter, reduce watering to prevent root rot, providing enough water to keep the soil slightly moist.

Light

The Red Hot Poker thrives best in full sunlight, where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct light daily. This plant enjoys a spot that is exposed to the morning sun and has some protection from the intense afternoon heat, although it can tolerate full sun exposure throughout the day. Avoid planting it in deep shade, as insufficient light can lead to poor bloom production and a weakened plant.

Temperature

Red Hot Pokers are hardy plants that can withstand temperatures down to about -20 degrees Fahrenheit and up to approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit; however, they thrive in milder temperatures between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are well-adapted to various climates but prefer to avoid extreme cold or frost without protection.

Pruning

Pruning is mainly done to remove spent flower stalks and maintain the Red Hot Poker's tidy appearance. Cut back the flower spikes as they fade, which can encourage reblooming. In late fall or early winter, remove any dead or damaged foliage to prepare for new growth in spring. Pruning is typically performed annually or as needed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Red Hot Poker thrives in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. A mixture of loam, sand, and compost is ideal, ensuring adequate drainage and fertility to sustain its growth and flowering.

Repotting

Red Hot Poker typically doesn't require frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, ensuring minimal disturbance to its roots.

Humidity & Misting

Red Hot Poker prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in outdoor environments without the need for any special adjustments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and good airflow for healthy growth.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, ensure well-drained soil, and protect from severe frost.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Kniphofia caulescens 'John May', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates when exposed to the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The plant then develops a basal rosette of narrow, arching leaves, and as it matures, fleshy rhizomes form and spread to establish a larger clump. In the flowering stage, tall, sturdy stalks grow from the rosette, each topped with a spiky inflorescence consisting of tubular flowers that usually bloom from the bottom up, displaying hues of red, orange, or yellow. After pollination, primarily by birds and insects, the flowers produce seeds that can spread to form new plants. In the perennial phase, after flowering, the plant will go dormant during colder months, with the leaves dying back, and then will regrow from the rhizome in the spring. Over the years, Red Hot Poker will continue this annual cycle of growth, flowering, and dormancy, slowly expanding in size and number of flowering stalks.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late spring to early summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Red Hot Poker 'John May' is by division. Spring or early autumn is the ideal time to divide the clumps, which allows the plants to establish their roots in moderate temperatures. To propagate, carefully lift the clump using a spade, ensuring minimal root disturbance. Gently tease apart the fans of leaves with attached roots. Each division should have at least one growth point or fan of leaves. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 18 inches to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to settle the surrounding soil and help reduce transplant shock.