Red Hot Poker Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle' (PBR) (Popsicle Series)

Names

• Family

  Asphodelaceae.

• Synonyms

  Torch Lily, Red Hot Poker, Poker Plant.

• Common names

  Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Red hot poker (Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle') is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many ornamental plants, ingestion is not advised, and it is always recommended to wear gloves when handling plants to avoid potential skin irritation. If ingested, it may cause some discomfort or an upset stomach, but severe toxicity is unlikely. If symptoms do occur, it is best to consult a medical professional.

• To pets

  Red hot poker (Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle') is not commonly known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals, such as vomiting or diarrhea. As pets can have different sensitivities, if any symptoms occur after ingestion, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. Generally, it is always best to discourage pets from eating ornamental plants.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Orange

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  6

• Native area

  South Africa

General Benefits

• Attractive Flowers: Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle' produces vibrant mango-orange flower spikes that are visually striking and add a pop of color to gardens.
• Long Blooming Season: This variety often has a longer blooming period compared to other perennials, providing interest throughout the summer and into the fall.
• Attracts Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, benefiting the local ecosystem.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping and reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Low Maintenance: It requires minimal upkeep beyond occasional deadheading and dividing, making it an easy choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
• Cold Hardy: It is relatively cold hardy and can survive in cooler climates, down to USDA Hardiness Zone 6.
• Deer Resistant: The plant is not a preferred food source for deer, reducing the likelihood of damage from browsing animals.
• Easy to Combine: The warm colors of its flowers combine well with various other plants, allowing for beautiful garden design and companion planting.
• Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, it comes back year after year, providing lasting value for the investment in the garden.
• Compact Size: The 'Mango Popsicle' variety has a compact, clumping form, making it suitable for smaller gardens or container planting.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Creating naturalistic garden designs: Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle' contributes to a wild, meadow-like aesthetic when planted amongst grasses and other perennials, attracting viewers with its unique, torch-like flowers.
• Container gardening: Due to its compact size, this variety of Red Hot Poker is suitable for container gardening, adding a touch of exotic flair to patios, terraces, and balconies.
• Theme gardens: Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle' can be incorporated into tropical or African-themed gardens due to its origin, providing authenticity and vibrant color.
• Attracting pollinators: The tubular flowers of the plant are highly attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens.
• Seasonal garden interest: This perennial creates interest in the garden with its bright mango-orange spikes that bloom from early to late summer, extending the garden's color palette beyond the typical flowering season.
• Edging and border plants: These plants work well as edging along pathways or borders due to their upright and clumping habit, offering a striking contrast to groundcovers and low-lying plants.
• Drought-tolerant landscaping: Once established, Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle' is drought-resistant, making it suitable for xeriscaping in arid or water-restricted areas.
• Photography and art: The distinctive appearance of Red Hot Poker flowers makes them an excellent subject for botanical photography and inspiration for various forms of art.
• Creating a color gradient: Plant Kniphofia 'Mango Popsicle' with other Kniphofia varieties to create a gradient effect in the garden bed, transitioning from one color to another along the bed.
• Erosion control: The clumping roots of Kniphofia help stabilize soil on slopes or banks, mitigating erosion while providing aesthetic value.

Feng Shui

The Red Hot Poker, which includes the variety 'Mango Popsicle', can be used in Feng Shui to introduce a fire element because of its bright, torch-like flowers, which can energize a space and add a sense of vibrancy. Place it in the south sector of a garden or room to enhance fame and reputation or in the south-east to support wealth and abundance.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Red Hot Poker is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Excitement and Energy: Due to its vibrant mango-orange colored flowers, Kniphofia is often associated with excitement and high energy, symbolizing a lively spirit and enthusiasm.
• Attraction: The brightness and uniqueness of the Red Hot Poker's flowers can symbolize attraction and magnetism, often used to draw attention in gardens and floral displays.
• Standing Out: As the Red Hot Poker typically stands tall with distinctive flowers, it can symbolize standing out from the crowd and celebrating individuality.
• Warmth: The warm tones of the Red Hot Poker's blooms are suggestive of heat and comfort, symbolizing a warm welcome or hospitality.