Red hot poker Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun'
ABOUT
Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun', commonly known as Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily, boasts a striking appearance primarily attributed to its vibrant flower spikes. The blossoms are torch-like, with a gradient of colors ranging from fiery red at the tip, fading into a warm orange, and then transitioning into a creamy yellow towards the base. This gradation of hues creates a striking flame-like effect atop dense clumps of grass-like, evergreen foliage. The leaves are slender, arching, and a deep green in color, providing a lush contrast to the brightly colored flowers. The flowers of 'Amazing Fun' are arranged in dense, upright clusters on strong, sturdy stems that rise above the foliage. Each individual flower is tubular and closely packed with its neighbors, forming a cylindrical shape. The plants bloom successively over the summer months, providing a long-lasting display of color and interest in the garden. When not in bloom, the plant's foliage maintains visual interest with a texture and form that can complement other plants in a garden setting. Overall, Red Hot Poker is known for its unique shape and vivid coloring, which makes it a favorite among gardeners looking to add a touch of drama to their outdoor spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily, Poker Plant
Common names
Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun'.
ToxicityTo humans
Red hot poker plants, including Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun', are not typically considered toxic to humans. However, it's always wise to handle plants with care and avoid ingesting any plant material unless you are certain of its edibility and safety.
To pets
Red hot poker plants are generally not considered toxic to pets. Nevertheless, it is always best to prevent pets from ingesting plant material to avoid any potential gastrointestinal upset or an unexpected allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
3 feet 2 inches (0.96 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun', also known as Red Hot Poker, is known to attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to the garden, helping with pollination.
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it is quite drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Visual interest: It has unique torchlike flower spikes that come in a blend of warm colors, adding vertical interest to borders and beds.
- Long blooming period: The Red Hot Poker has a long flowering season, providing color and interest from late spring to autumn.
- Deer resistant: It's not a favored plant by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas with a deer population.
- Low maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, making it an easy addition to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in a variety of garden designs, including perennial borders, rock gardens, and coastal gardens.
- Habitat enrichment: Red Hot Pokers can offer habitat and nesting opportunities for wildlife, including birds.
- Soil adaptability: They can thrive in a range of soil conditions, though they prefer well-drained soils.
- Seasonal color: The foliage of Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun' adds texture and greenery to the garden even when the plant is not in bloom.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hummingbird Attractant: Kniphofia, commonly known as red hot poker, can be planted to attract hummingbirds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
- Photography Subject: The striking appearance of the red hot poker makes it an excellent subject for botanical photography, enhancing garden portfolios.
- Garden Design: Red hot pokers can be used effectively in garden design to create vertical accents or to add a bold splash of color in perennial borders.
- Educational Tool: In educational gardens, red hot poker plants can demonstrate plant adaptation with their tubular flowers designed for pollination by birds.
- Theatrical Props: Dried red hot poker flowers can be used as natural, dramatic props in theatrical productions set in outdoor or wilderness scenes.
- Erosion Control: When planted on slopes or in areas prone to erosion, the root systems of red hot poker plants can help stabilize the soil.
- Theme Gardens: Red hot poker is a feature in fire-themed gardens due to its fiery flower spikes that resemble a flaming torch.
- Bee Gardening: Red hot poker plants support pollinators, such as bees, which find the flowers an excellent source of nectar.
- Seasonal Interest: With its late summer blooming, red hot poker adds interest to the garden during a time when many other flowers start to wane.
- Craft Projects: Dried flower spikes of red hot poker can be used in creating natural craft projects, such as dried flower arrangements or wreaths.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant commonly known as Red Hot Poker is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Hot Poker is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attention-grabbing: The bright, torch-like flowers of the Red Hot Poker stand out in the garden, symbolizing the idea of drawing attention or being in the spotlight.
- Vibrancy: With its vivid hues ranging from red to orange and yellow, it embodies vitality, energy, and enthusiasm.
- Stimulation: The fiery appearance of Red Hot Poker's blooms may represent stimulation, excitement, or a catalyst for action.
- Passion: The intense colors of the Red Hot Poker are often associated with strong emotions and passion in life.
- Standing Tall: The upright nature of the Red Hot Poker's flower spikes can symbolize pride, resilience, or strength.
WaterRed Hot Pokers, such as Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun', prefer consistent moisture especially during the growing season, but they do not like to be waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on the size and weather conditions. During hot and dry spells, you may need to water more frequently. It's crucial to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. In winter, reduce watering significantly, but do not let the plant completely dry out.
LightRed Hot Pokers, including Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun', thrive in full sunlight. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun each day to flower prolifically and maintain strong growth. The ideal spot for these plants would be in a garden area that receives unfiltered sun for most of the day. However, in extremely hot climates, they can benefit from light afternoon shade.
TemperatureThe Red Hot Poker plant, such as Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun', prefers warm temperatures and is hardy in temperatures as low as 30°F and can handle heat well into the 90s°F. However, they grow best when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 75°F. Make sure to plant them in a location that does not fall below 30°F to prevent cold damage.
PruningRed Hot Poker plants such as Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun' should be pruned to remove spent flower spikes and encourage new blooms. Pruning can be done throughout the blooming season as old flowers fade. In late fall or early spring, it's recommended to remove any dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance. The best time for a more thorough pruning is when new growth begins to emerge in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Hot Poker requires well-draining soil with a slight lean towards sandiness to ensure proper drainage. A mixture of garden soil, sand, and peat can create a suitable environment. The ideal soil pH for Red Hot Poker should be between 6.0 and 7.0, slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingRed Hot Pokers typically do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container, which may occur every 3-5 years.
Humidity & MistingRed Hot Poker tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and is quite adaptable to different outdoor conditions. They do not require high humidity environments and can thrive in average ambient outdoor humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure full sun and well-draining soil mix for Red Hot Poker.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Red Hot Poker 'Amazing Fun' starts as a seed, which germinates in warm, well-drained soil, usually in spring or after the last frost. Once the seedling emerges, it grows into a clump-forming perennial with narrow, grass-like leaves. As the plant matures, typically within the second year, it produces tall, sturdy flower spikes topped with tubular flowers that range in color from red to orange and creamy yellow. The flowering phase occurs during late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. After the blooms fade, seed pods may form, and if conditions allow, the seeds will drop and potentially germinate to produce new plants. In colder climates, the foliage dies back in winter, but the plant is hardy and will resprout from its rhizomatous rootstock with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
The most popular method for propagating Kniphofia 'Amazing Fun', commonly known as Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily, is by division. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring or early fall. This process involves carefully digging up the mature plant and gently separating the clump into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. The divisions should then be replanted immediately at the same soil depth they were originally growing at and watered well. It's important to ensure that each new plant has at least one healthy shoot and a part of the root system to establish itself successfully.
