Kniphofia

Kniphofia or also known as Torch Lily, Tritoma, Red Hot Poker, Knofflers, or Poker Plant, is an exotic perennial that blooms all summer and fall. It belongs to the Asphodelaceae family of plants and is native to Africa. Kniphofia is named after Johann Hieronymus Kniphof (1704-1763). He was a German botanist and a physician.

Kniphofia has narrow grass-like leaves. The flowers are colorful in ranges of yellows, reds, and oranges. Some species are bicolored. They grow on upright spikes. Kniphofia is long-lived.

It could grow to about 30″ or more and grows well in the sun. Plant Kniphofia in moist, fertile and well-drained soil. Choose a location that is not too wet during winter. Deadhead after flowering and trim and tidy the plants in spring. Bees and hummingbirds love this plant since it produces copious nectar while it blooms. They adapt well in coastal gardens.

Propagate from seed. Look for some seeds that actually flower the first year. Also propagate by division in spring, this is the best way to propagate hybrids. They are generally disease-free and pest-free. Watch out for slugs and snails. Also root rot and aphids could be a problem.