Red Hot Poker Kniphofia 'Green Jade'
ABOUT
The Kniphofia 'Green Jade', commonly known as the Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily, is a perennial plant renowned for its striking flower spikes. The blooms are a distinctive feature, displaying a gradation of color that ranges from pale green to cream, creating a jade-like appearance that is quite rare and unique amongst the fiery hues typically associated with other varieties in its family. The flowers are tubular, densely packed, and rise above the plant like upright torches, giving it its common name. The foliage of the Red Hot Poker comprises grass-like leaves that are slender and arching. These leaves are a rich, deep green, providing a lush backdrop for the impressive flower spikes. The plant's texture contributes an architectural element to garden settings, with its sword-shaped leaves creating a striking contrast to the softer shapes of typical garden plants. The overall impression of Kniphofia 'Green Jade' is one of bold and exotic beauty, with a rare color combination that stands out in garden displays and attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. Its appearance adds an element of the unexpected and a touch of sophistication to any planting scheme.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily, Tritoma
Common names
Kniphofia 'Green Jade'.
ToxicityTo humans
Red hot poker, the common name for Kniphofia 'Green Jade', is generally not considered toxic to humans. Therefore, there are no common symptoms of poisoning from this plant as it's typically not harmful if touched or ingested in small amounts. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions are possible, and care should be taken around any plant material if a personal sensitivity is known.
To pets
Red hot poker, the common name for Kniphofia 'Green Jade', is also generally not considered toxic to pets. There are no widespread reports of toxicity in animals such as dogs and cats from ingesting parts of this plant. Nevertheless, as with any non-food plant, ingestion can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the novelty and fibrous nature of the plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow-green
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Kniphofia 'Green Jade', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, is known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the pollination of the garden.
- Drought-tolerant: Once established, Red Hot Pokers are quite drought-resistant, making them suitable for dry climates or areas with water restrictions.
- Low maintenance: They require minimal care beyond occasional watering and deadheading, making them a good choice for busy gardeners.
- Architectural interest: Red Hot Pokers have a unique flower spike that adds vertical interest and a sculptural element to garden landscapes.
- Long blooming period: The flowering season of Red Hot Pokers is lengthy, offering vibrant color in the garden for an extended time.
- Versatility in the garden: They can be used in a variety of garden styles, including borders, rock gardens, and as a focal point in flower beds.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: These plants are not favored by deer and rabbits, reducing the likelihood of damage from these animals.
- Seasonal color: Red Hot Pokers provide bright and striking color contrasts against the greenery of other plants, brightening up the garden space.
- Multiple uses: They can be used for cut flowers, adding an exotic touch to floral arrangements.
- Evergreen foliage: In some climates, the foliage of Red Hot Pokers remains evergreen, providing year-round interest in the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As an artistic medium: Red hot poker flowers can be used for their unique shape and color in floral arrangements and botanical art.
- Natural fabric dye: The flowers and leaves can potentially be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, producing unique colors.
- Educational tool: Gardeners and educators can use red hot poker plants to teach botany and horticulture principles due to their distinctive traits.
- Photography subject: Red hot poker's striking appearance makes it an excellent subject for photography, both amateur and professional.
- Habitat creation: Planting red hot poker can help create a habitat for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversification of an area.
- Watercolor inspiration: The vibrant hues of red hot poker flowers can be used as inspiration for watercolor artists looking for natural color palettes.
- Insect repellent: Some gardeners plant red hot poker as a companion plant, believing it may help repel certain unwanted insects due to its strong scent.
- Soil erosion control: The root structure of red hot poker can help hold soil in place, making it useful for planting in areas prone to erosion.
- Seasonal ornamentation: During festive seasons, the flowers can be used in dried arrangements or wreaths for autumn and winter decoration.
- Theme gardens: Red hot poker can be a focal point in fire-themed gardens or other conceptual landscaping designs due to its flame-like flower spikes.
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: With its striking greenish-white flower spikes, Green Jade (also known as Red Hot Poker or Torch Lily) demands attention and symbolizes a bold presence and uniqueness.
- Vibrancy and Energy: The vivid and fiery appearance of the Torch Lily's flowers imparts a sense of vibrancy and high energy, representing liveliness and enthusiasm.
- Pride: Due to its upright stance and showy blooms, the Green Jade plant is often associated with pride, symbolizing self-confidence and dignity.
- Playfulness: The spiky and colorful blooms of the Red Hot Poker can denote playfulness and a fun-loving spirit, much like the plant's whimsical and attention-grabbing nature.
WaterThe Red Hot Poker plant needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. An ideal regimen would be to provide about an inch of water weekly, adjusting for rainfall. During the peak of summer, you may need to water twice a week, especially for plants in full sun and sandy soils. Make sure to water deeply, targeting the root zone rather than the foliage, to encourage deep root growth and avoid shallow, surface roots. Cut back on watering as the weather cools down in fall to prepare the plant for dormancy.
LightRed Hot Pokers thrive in full sunlight and should be placed in a location where they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. They can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade can reduce flowering and cause the plants to become leggy.
TemperatureRed Hot Pokers can survive temperature ranges from approximately 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but they thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not frost-tolerant and should be protected or brought indoors if temperatures threaten to dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growth occurs within their preferred temperature range, where they can produce vigorous foliage and bright blooms.
PruningPrune Red Hot Pokers to remove spent flower stalks and encourage repeat blooming—typically cut them back close to the base after the flowers fade. In late fall or early spring, remove any dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant vigor and appearance. Pruning is generally needed once after the main bloom period and again in preparation for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia 'Green Jade') thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range from 6.0 to 6.5. A soil mix consisting of equal parts loam, sand, and peat is ideal, promoting good drainage while retaining adequate moisture. A layer of mulch can help maintain soil moisture and temperature.
RepottingRed Hot Pokers generally do not require frequent repotting as they prefer not to be disturbed too often. They should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it is evident that the plant has outgrown its current pot, which is noticeable by crowded roots.
Humidity & MistingRed Hot Poker (Kniphofia 'Green Jade') is quite adaptable and does not require high humidity. It will do well in average outdoor humidity levels. No specific humidity requirements are necessary for this plant's growth and flowering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use well-draining soil and place in full sun.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun, protect from extreme cold.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Kniphofia 'Green Jade', commonly known as the torch lily or red hot poker, begins with seed germination, triggered by a combination of warm temperatures and adequate moisture. Seedlings emerge and develop into rosettes of narrow, arching leaves, forming the base from which the plant grows. As the plant matures, it forms sturdy, upright flowering stalks topped with dense, cylindrical spikes of flower buds that open successively from the bottom to the top. The flowers, typically emerging in late spring to early summer, attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, which facilitate the cross-pollination necessary for seed production. After flowering, seed pods develop, dry, and eventually release seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, the torch lily experiences periods of active growth in the warmer seasons and dormancy during the colder months, with perennial plants living for several years and propagating either by seed or vegetative division.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Propagating the Torch Lily, commonly known as Kniphofia 'Green Jade', is typically carried out by division during late spring or early autumn. This process involves carefully lifting the mother plant from the ground, using a sharp spade or knife to separate it into smaller clumps, each with a portion of the root system and a few shoots. The divisions should then be replanted immediately at the same depth they were growing before, ensuring that they are spaced sufficiently to allow for growth, roughly 18 inches (or about 45 centimeters) apart. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist until the new divisions are well established. This method of propagation is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing clones of the parent plant.
