Red Hot Poker Plant

The Red Hot Poker Plant, scientifically known as Kniphofia uvaria (or encompassing other species and hybrids within the Kniphofia genus), is a dramatic and undeniably eye-catching perennial celebrated for its unique torch-like flower spikes. Native to the grasslands and mountainous regions of South Africa, this vibrant plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, adapted to climates that range from temperate to sub-tropical, tolerating both heat and moderate cold. As a long-lived perennial, a single Red Hot Poker plant can persist for many years, often a decade or more, forming expanding clumps over time.

Its most distinctive characteristic is its clump-forming habit of long, slender, grass-like or sword-shaped leaves that are typically green to blue-green, forming a dense basal rosette. While the foliage provides a lovely textural element, the plant’s true spectacle comes from its tall, sturdy flower stalks that emerge high above the leaves. These spikes are topped with dense, cylindrical flower clusters that are famously bi-colored, resembling a glowing torch or “red hot poker.” The buds at the top of the spike are typically vivid red or orange, gradually transitioning to yellow or creamy white as they open and mature lower down the spike. This striking color gradient gives the plant its common name. Depending on the species and cultivar, blooming can occur from late spring through summer and into fall, attracting hummingbirds and bees. Red Hot Poker Plants are exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, making them excellent choices for xeriscaping, rock gardens, borders, and as vertical accents in mixed perennial beds, particularly well-suited for landscapes in regions like Phoenix, Arizona, that experience hot, dry summers.