Red Hot Poker Kniphofia 'Safranvogel'
ABOUT
Kniphofia 'Safranvogel', commonly referred to as Red Hot Poker, is a striking perennial known for its vibrant and dramatic flowers. The plant features sturdy, upright stems that hold aloft dense, cylindrical spikes of tubular flowers. These blooms are renowned for their brilliant color gradient, which can range from a warm yellow at the base, transitioning to orange, and finally to a fiery red at the tip, resembling a glowing torch or a poker straight from the fire. The bold flower spikes create a focal point in the garden and are a magnet for hummingbirds and other pollinators. The foliage of Red Hot Poker forms a clump of slender, arching leaves that are grass-like in appearance. The leaves are a rich green, sometimes with a slight bluish tinge, and they radiate out from the base of the plant, creating a full and lush foundation for the eye-catching flower display above. The textural contrast between the smooth, sword-shaped leaves and the vibrant flower spikes adds a layer of visual interest to the plant's overall appearance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asphodelaceae
Synonyms
Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily, Tritoma
Common names
Kniphofia 'Safranvogel'.
ToxicityTo humans
Kniphofia 'Safranvogel' commonly known as Red Hot Poker is not widely recognized as a poisonous plant to humans. There is limited information on its toxicity, and it is generally considered non-toxic. However, it is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants that are not commonly used as food. If any part of the plant is ingested, it could potentially cause mild stomach upset due to its unfamiliar components.
To pets
Red Hot Poker is generally not listed as a toxic plant to pets. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet has ingested any part of Red Hot Poker and is showing adverse symptoms, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Kniphofia 'Safranvogel', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are essential for plant pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Red Hot Poker is known for its ability to withstand periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This plant generally requires minimal care, only needing occasional watering and deadheading to remove spent blooms.
- Long Blooming: Red Hot Pokers provide a long season of vibrant colors, from late spring through summer, and sometimes into fall.
- Deer Resistant: The plant is largely resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a common garden nuisance.
- Architectural Interest: With its striking flower spikes and grass-like foliage, Red Hot Poker adds visual interest and structure to garden beds or landscapes.
- Multiple Uses: This versatile plant can be used in perennial borders, rock gardens, or as a focal point in a mixed bed.
- Variety of Colors: Kniphofia 'Safranvogel' offers a range of colors from warm yellows to fiery reds, adding a bright pop of color to the garden.
- Improved Habit: Selected for its more compact and tidy growth habit, it's well-suited for smaller gardens or spaces.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography subject: The Red Hot Poker's vivid flowers make an attractive and popular subject for photographers, particularly those specializing in garden and plant photography.
- Artistic inspiration: Artists may use the Red Hot Poker as inspiration for botanical drawings, paintings, and illustrations due to its unique flower spikes.
- Craft projects: Dried stems and flowers of the Red Hot Poker can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, or other craft projects.
- Dye production: While not commonly used for dye, the pigments in the Red Hot Poker’s flowers could potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or art projects.
- Garden theme creator: The bright, torch-like flowers can inspire a fire-themed garden or be used in a garden that focuses on hot colors, such as reds, yellows, and oranges.
- Mood enhancement: The vibrant blossoms can lift spirits and provide an emotional boost by adding color to a landscape or interior when used in cut flower arrangements.
- Educational tool: Botany enthusiasts or teachers can use the Red Hot Poker to educate about pollination and the interaction between plants and pollinators like birds and bees.
- Culinary decoration: The flowers of the Red Hot Poker can be used to add an exotic touch to food presentation, although they are not edible.
- Backyard wildlife habitat: Red Hot Poker can be planted to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, creating a dynamic and interactive wildlife habitat in the backyard.
- Feng Shui application: In some cultures, these vibrant flowers might be used in Feng Shui as a symbol of fire energy, possibly to enhance certain areas of the garden or home according to this philosophy.
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: Often referred to as Red Hot Poker due to its striking flower spikes, the plant symbolizes a bold presence that can't be ignored, demanding attention and indicating vibrancy.
- Strength: With its sturdy stems and resilient growth, Red Hot Poker represents strength and the ability to stand tall amidst the challenges of life.
- Vibrance: The fiery colors of the blooms range from red to orange, conveying a sense of energy, excitement, and passion.
- Playfulness: The unusual shape and bright colors of the Red Hot Poker flowers suggest a playful spirit, adding a touch of whimsy to gardens.
WaterRed Hot Poker plants require moderate watering. Initially, water the newly planted Kniphofia 'Safranvogel' twice a week to help establish roots. Once established, water once every week or two, giving it about 1 inch of water each time. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Ensure the plant has well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
LightRed Hot Poker plants thrive in full sun, meaning they need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for planting Kniphofia 'Safranvogel' is in an area that receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day. They can tolerate some light shade but flowering is best in full sun conditions.
TemperatureRed Hot Poker plants prefer warmer temperatures and are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. They can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit during their dormant winter phase but perform best at temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect the plant from frost to prevent damage to the foliage and flowers.
PruningPruning Red Hot Poker plants is mainly for aesthetic purposes and to remove spent flower stalks. Cut back the faded flower spikes to the base to encourage new growth and tidiness. Pruning is best done after flowering in late summer or fall. Additionally, remove any damaged or dead foliage in early spring to maintain plant health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia 'Safranvogel') thrives in soil that has good drainage with a mixture of loam, sand, and compost. A soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is optimal.
RepottingRed Hot Pokers generally do not require frequent repotting and can be done every 3-4 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingRed Hot Pokers prefer moderate humidity levels; however, they are quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions as long as they are not excessively high.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-drained soil, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space adequately.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Kniphofia 'Safranvogel', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, begins with seed germination, typically in spring, under warm soil conditions with adequate moisture. The seedlings grow into rosette-forming juveniles with a clump of narrow, arching leaves. As the plants mature, they develop thick, fleshy roots and a strong central stem from which they produce tall, spike-like flower heads during the summer, attracting pollinators. After flowering, the plant sets seed which can disperse in the vicinity to produce new plants. Throughout the growing season, the perennial foliage persists, even when not in bloom. The plant dies back to the ground in winter, with the roots surviving to regenerate the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring
The Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia 'Safranvogel') can be effectively propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. The ideal time to divide Red Hot Pokers is in the spring or early autumn when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of the plant, making sure to keep a generous amount of soil around the roots to minimize shock. Using a sharp spade or knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions promptly, maintaining the same soil level as before, and water thoroughly to help establish the new plants. Divisions should be placed about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow sufficient room for growth. Careful handling and proper aftercare will ensure the successful establishment of the new Red Hot Poker plants from divisions.
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