Red-hot poker 'Samuel's Sensation' Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' Samuel

Water

Red Hot Poker (the common name for Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' Samuel) should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil is soaked 1 to 2 inches deep. During hotter, dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. It’s important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid root rot. A good rule of thumb is to provide about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. Once established, Red Hot Pokers are quite drought-tolerant, so you can reduce the frequency of watering. Adjust watering habits seasonally as the plant's needs will decrease during cooler, wetter periods.

Light

Red Hot Pokers thrive in full sun conditions, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation' Samuel is in an area where it can receive unfiltered sunshine throughout the day. These plants can tolerate some light shade, especially in the afternoon, but too little light can reduce flowering.

Temperature

The Red Hot Poker plant prefers temperate conditions and can tolerate a temperature range from approximately 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9, withstanding brief periods of colder temperatures down to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The optimal temperature for growth and flowering is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Red Hot Pokers should be done to remove spent flower spikes and tidy up the plant, which encourages a second bloom and prevents self-seeding. It’s best to prune just after the first flowering has finished, typically in late spring or early summer. Remove only the dead flower stalks and any damaged or dead foliage, and in the winter, cut the foliage back to about 3 inches above ground to prepare for new spring growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Red Hot Poker 'Samuel's Sensation' (the common name of Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation') thrives best in well-draining soil with a mix of loam and sharp sand to promote good water drainage. Incorporating organic matter like compost will provide necessary nutrients. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 6.0 to 6.5, slightly acidic to neutral.

Repotting

Red Hot Poker 'Samuel's Sensation' typically doesn't need frequent repotting as it is a perennial plant that grows well when left undisturbed. Repotting can be done every 3-4 years or when the plant has outgrown its current container or the soil has become depleted.

Humidity & Misting

Red Hot Poker 'Samuel's Sensation' is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and typically does well in the natural atmospheric humidity found outdoors. It doesn't have specific humidity needs and can tolerate the dry air conditions found in most temperate climates.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil; avoid overwatering.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from intense winter.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Red Hot Poker 'Samuel's Sensation' starts its life cycle when its seeds germinate in late spring after the last frosts, in moist soil and with plenty of sunlight. Seedlings emerge and develop into rosettes of long, strap-like leaves, establishing a firm root system. As the plant matures, usually by the second year, a tall, sturdy flower stalk shoots up from the center of the foliage clump in late spring to early summer, displaying impressive spikes of tubular, red-orange flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. After blooming, the plant sets seed, which can be collected or allowed to fall naturally to potentially germinate and create new plants. Throughout the growing season, the foliage remains evergreen, providing year-round interest. In winter or at the end of its life cycle, the plant may die back, especially in colder climates, but it is perennial and will typically regrow from its base in the following spring if the crown has been protected from severe frosts.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Kniphofia 'Samuel's Sensation', commonly known as Red Hot Poker, is typically propagated by division. The best time to divide Red Hot Pokers is in the spring or early autumn when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of the plant and use a sharp spade or knife to cut the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a portion of the root system and several growing points. Replant the divisions at the same soil depth they were previously growing and water well after planting. This method allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of the plant while maintaining the health and characteristics of the parent plant.