Red Hot Poker Kniphofia 'Coral Flame'
ABOUT
The Kniphofia 'Coral Flame', commonly known as Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily, is characterized by its distinctive and striking flower spikes. The inflorescences are torch-like, consisting of densely packed tubular flowers. The blooms are bicolored, starting with a coral hue at the top, which gracefully transitions to a creamy yellow towards the bottom, creating an ombre or flame-like effect that gives this plant its fiery common names. The foliage of 'Coral Flame' consists of long, slender, grass-like leaves that create a lush base for the showy flower spikes. The leaves are a deep green color and arch outwards from the base of the plant, providing a complementary backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The overall appearance of the plant is quite striking, with the tall flower spikes rising above the foliage, catching the eye and adding a vertical interest to garden landscapes. The Red Hot Poker blooms in the warmer months, offering a long season of color in the garden. The flowers are known to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, adding to the dynamic nature of the plant. Its unique floral presentation and bright coloration make 'Coral Flame' an attractive addition to garden beds, borders, and as a focal point in ornamental plantings. The plant's resilience and low maintenance requirements further enhance its appeal to gardeners looking for hardy and eye-catching perennials.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily, Tritoma
Common names
Kniphofia 'Coral Flame'.
ToxicityTo humans
Kniphofia 'Coral Flame', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, does not have a widespread reputation for being toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivity can vary and parts of the plant may cause irritation to the skin or discomfort if ingested. Typically, ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is generally recommended to avoid consuming any part of ornamental plants due to potential risks and lack of edibility.
To pets
Red Hot Poker is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs and cats. Although it's not highly toxic, ingestion can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in animals, similar to humans. Symptoms after consumption could include drooling, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If a pet ingests a significant amount of the plant and exhibits symptoms, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Kniphofia 'Coral Flame', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Red Hot Poker is drought resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance landscaping options.
- Long Blooming Period: Red Hot Poker produces vibrant blooms that can last from late spring through summer, adding long-lasting color to the garden.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is generally resistant to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage and the need for additional protective measures.
- Architectural Structure: With its tall flower spikes and strappy leaves, Red Hot Poker adds vertical interest and a unique architectural element to garden designs.
- Easy to Propagate: Red Hot Poker can be easily propagated by division, allowing gardeners to expand their plantings and share with others.
- Versatility in Landscaping: This plant can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as specimen plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic inspiration: The bright, coral hues of the Red Hot Poker can serve as a natural color palette for painters and textile designers, embodying the vibrancy of summer in artworks and fabric prints.
- Crafting material: Dried Red Hot Poker flowers can be incorporated into floral arrangements and wreaths, offering a unique texture and pop of color that preserves well.
- Garden structure: With their tall and sturdy flower spikes, Red Hot Pokers can be used as natural supports for drooping plants or as a focal point in a garden design.
- Educational Tools: The distinct morphology of the Red Hot Poker flowers can be used in botanical studies and educational settings to exemplify plant structure and pollination strategies.
- Photography subject: The striking appearance of Red Hot Pokers makes them excellent subjects for garden photography, capturing the interplay of light and shadow across their vibrant spikes.
- Culinary decoration: Although not edible, Red Hot Poker flowers can be used as a garnish for plating in high-end culinary presentations, adding an exotic flair to the dish.
- Landscape marking: Their height and color can be used to visually mark boundaries or pathways within a landscape design without the need for artificial signs.
- Nature crafts: Dried seed heads from the Red Hot Poker can be painted or modified to create eco-friendly decorations or children's craft projects.
- Companion planting: Red Hot Pokers attract pollinators and can be strategically placed in vegetable gardens to increase pollination rates of nearby crops.
- Film and theater props: When live or realistic-looking plants are needed on stage or set, Red Hot Pokers can provide a vivid and interesting prop element for scenes requiring floral displays.
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- Passion: The vibrant red to coral hues of the Red Hot Poker can signify intense emotion and fervor.
- Attraction: Its eye-catching colors can symbolize a magnetic and captivating quality.
- Standing out: The plant's distinctive look can represent uniqueness or standing out in a crowd.
- Warmth: As the common name suggests, it can be associated with warmth, comfort, and hospitality.
- Energy: The bold and bright appearance of the Red Hot Poker might be used to symbolize liveliness and high energy.
WaterRed Hot Poker plants, including the 'Coral Flame', should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods, ensuring the plant receives about 1 inch of water each time. During hotter, dryer spells, increase watering frequency to maintain moist, but not waterlogged, soil. They can tolerate some dryness once established but prefer consistent moisture. In the cooler months or when rainfall is ample, reduce watering to prevent waterlogged conditions that can lead to root rot. Always allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions to promote healthy root growth.
LightRed Hot Poker plants thrive in full sun, which means they require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for 'Coral Flame' is in a garden area where it can receive unfiltered, direct sunlight throughout the day. However, in extremely hot climates, a location with afternoon shade can help protect the plant from intense, potentially damaging heat.
TemperatureRed Hot Pokers, such as 'Coral Flame', are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, withstanding temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer a temperature range between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate higher temperatures as long as they are well-watered. Extreme cold or frost can damage the foliage, so in areas with harsh winters, mulching can help to insulate the roots.
PruningPruning Red Hot Poker plants like 'Coral Flame' is essential to remove spent flower spikes and encourage additional blooms. After flowering, cut the flower stalks down to the base to maintain a neat appearance and direct the plant's energy into producing more spikes. Pruning is typically done during the growing season as flowers fade. Additionally, removing old foliage in the spring can help stimulate new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Red Hot Poker plant thrives in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. For the best soil mixture, combine equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat moss, and sharp sand to ensure good drainage and fertility.
RepottingRed Hot Poker plants generally do not require frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. They should be repotted or divided every 3 to 5 years to rejuvenate growth and manage space.
Humidity & MistingRed Hot Poker plants are quite adaptable and do not require any special humidity conditions. They perform well in the average outdoor humidity and do not need any additional humidity control.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, good air circulation, and weekly watering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water moderately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleKniphofia 'Coral Flame', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in warm, moist soil, typically in spring or early summer. The seedlings emerge and establish a rosette of strap-like leaves, developing a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative stage, producing more foliage and increasing in size. By the second year and subsequent summers, it reaches the flowering stage, sending up tall flowering spikes with tubular, coral-colored flowers that attract pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. After pollination, the flowers produce seeds, which can disperse to propagate new plants. During winter or periods of dormancy, the foliage may die back, and the plant survives with its perennial root system, ready to regrow in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method for propagating the Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia 'Coral Flame') is by division. This is best done in the spring, just before the new growth starts. The process involves digging up the clump and gently separating it into smaller sections, making sure that each division has at least one growth point or fan of leaves. After the division, replant the sections at the same depth they were growing at before, spacing them about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new divisions well to help establish them. This method is quick and usually very successful, resulting in new plants that are true to the parent in form and flower.
