Red Hot Poker Kniphofia 'Bees' Sunset'
ABOUT
Kniphofia 'Bees' Sunset', commonly known as Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily, is a striking perennial plant known for its unique and vibrant flower spikes. The plant boasts a clump of grass-like, narrow and arching foliage, typically green in color, which forms a base from which the flower stems, or inflorescences, emerge. The most captivating feature of the Red Hot Poker is its distinctive flowers. They appear on tall, sturdy stalks that rise above the foliage and end in a dense, club-shaped spike. These blossoms range in color from warm shades of yellow at the tip, gradually changing into orange and then rich, fiery red toward the base, creating an arresting gradient effect that resembles a flickering flame. This gradient of color is arranged on the spike in a manner that the flower buds at the top open first, and over time the blossoming progresses downward, which means multiple hues may be displayed simultaneously on a single flower spike. The individual flowers are tube-shaped, perfect for attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, which are drawn to their nectar. The overall aesthetic of the Red Hot Poker is one of drama and boldness, with its fiery-colored flower spikes providing a strong visual impact in any garden setting where they are featured. The plant exudes an exotic and tropical allure, despite being able to withstand various garden conditions, and it's especially prized for its ability to bring a splash of hot colors to a planting scheme.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily, Tritoma
Common names
Kniphofia 'Bees' Sunset'
ToxicityTo humans
Red hot poker is the common name of Kniphofia 'Bees' Sunset'. It is not widely known to be toxic to humans. There is little evidence to suggest that the plant poses a significant threat if ingested. However, as with many plants, it may cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. It is advisable to avoid ingesting this, or any ornamental plant, and to always keep plants out of the reach of children who might accidentally ingest plant parts.
To pets
Red hot poker is the common name of Kniphofia 'Bees' Sunset'. This plant is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, particularly in pets with sensitive stomachs or those that ingest large quantities. It's always a good practice to monitor pets around ornamental plants and prevent them from chewing on leaves, flowers, or stems. If a pet does ingest part of a red hot poker plant and shows adverse symptoms, it's advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Kniphofia 'Bees' Sunset', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, is known to attract bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Red Hot Poker is relatively drought-resistant, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: This plant has a lengthy flowering time from late spring through summer, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Kniphofia is generally low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in the right conditions.
- Architectural Interest: The striking flower spikes add vertical interest and a unique texture to garden beds and borders.
- Deer Resistance: The Red Hot Poker is not a preferred plant for deer, which makes it a good option for areas with deer pressure.
- Versatile Garden Use: It's suitable for perennial borders, rock gardens, and as a specimen plant, offering flexibility in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Kniphofia 'Bees' Sunset', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, can be used as a focal point in artistic floral arrangements due to its bright, torch-like flowers.
- It serves as an excellent option for xeriscaping gardens, which require minimal irrigation, because of its drought tolerance characteristics.
- The bold and striking flowers of Red Hot Poker can be employed as a natural way to add vibrant hues to eco-friendly dye projects.
- The plant can be integrated into educational programs to help students learn about polyculture and the importance of biodiversity in garden ecosystems.
- Red Hot Poker can be utilized in sensory gardens as its textures and colors are particularly engaging for sensory exploration.
- The strong vertical lines of the bloom spikes can be used to enhance the architectural features of a garden, providing structure and height contrast.
- When dried, the seed heads of Red Hot Poker can create natural, rustic compositions for decorative autumn and winter displays.
- This plant can be used as a live thermometer since the flowering time can be sensitive to temperature, serving as an indicator of seasonal climate variations.
- The leaves of the Red Hot Poker can create shelter and microhabitats for small beneficial insects and amphibians seeking refuge within the garden space.
- As a tough and hardy plant, Red Hot Poker can be used in urban landscaping projects where low maintenance and resilience to pollution are required.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe 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 fiery blooms of Red Hot Poker, which loom high above the foliage, are often associated with grabbing attention or standing out in a crowd.
- Courage and Boldness: The striking and bold colors of the Red Hot Poker symbolize courage and taking bold actions.
- Passion: The Red Hot Poker’s vibrant red and orange colors can represent deep passion and strong emotions.
- Endurance and Perseverance: This plant's ability to withstand tough conditions and still flourish reflects qualities of endurance and perseverance.
WaterRed Hot Poker should be watered regularly, but allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water about once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. If rainfall is sufficient, additional watering may not be necessary. During the dormant season in fall and winter, reduce watering frequency. It is important to avoid overwatering; consistently wet soil can be detrimental to the plant's health.
LightRed Hot Poker thrives in full sun conditions with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for this plant is an open area that receives uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day to encourage the most vigorous growth and bloom production.
TemperatureRed Hot Poker can withstand a wide range of temperatures but prefers a climate where the temperature is between 50°F and 90°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 14°F but not for prolonged periods. Ideal growing conditions involve warm days and cool nights within the preferred temperature range.
PruningRed Hot Poker benefits from pruning to remove spent flower spikes and encourage additional blooming. Prune flower stalks back to the base after the blooms have faded, usually in late summer or fall. This plant should also be tidied up in early spring by removing old foliage from the previous year to make way for new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Hot Poker 'Bees' Sunset' thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A combination of loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite would create an ideal environment. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingRed Hot Poker 'Bees' Sunset' does not require frequent repotting as it is a perennial plant. It should be repotted or divided every 3 to 5 years to rejuvenate the soil and manage the size of the plant.
Humidity & MistingRed Hot Poker 'Bees' Sunset' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate conditions. It does not require high humidity and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in most outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and well-draining soil for indoor Red Hot Pokers.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleKniphofia 'Bees' Sunset', commonly known as Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily, starts its life with seed germination, taking a few weeks to sprout when conditions are warm and moist. The young seedlings then grow into a basal rosette of narrow, strap-like leaves, establishing a robust root system. As the plants mature, they enter a vegetative stage where they increase in size and produce more foliage. In the flowering stage, which typically occurs in summer, the plant sends up tall, sturdy flower spikes topped with dense clusters of tubular flowers that transition in color from creamy yellow to rich orange-red. After pollination, usually by hummingbirds or bees, the flowers develop into seed capsules, containing numerous seeds that can be dispersed to propagate the next generation. The plant then enters a period of dormancy in the colder months, conserving energy to begin the cycle anew when temperatures rise in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring - Early Summer
Kniphofia 'Bees' Sunset', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, is best propagated through division, which is ideally done in spring or early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a portion of the root system intact. Replant the divisions immediately, spacing them appropriately to accommodate their future growth. Water the newly planted divisions well to help establish them. This method is effective because Red Hot Pokers form clumps that can become congested over time, and dividing them not only propagates new plants but also reinvigorates the parent plants.
