Kniphofia, commonly known as red hot poker or torch lily, is a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants in the family Asphodelaceae, native to Africa. The genus is named after Johann Hieronymus Kniphof, an 18th-century German physician and botanist.
Most Kniphofia species are evergreen or deciduous perennials growing to 1–3 m tall, with linear to lanceolate leaves. The flowers are produced in dense clusters at the end of each stem; they are tubular, and vary in color with species, from orange, yellow, or red. The flowers of some species open in the evening, hence the older common name “torch lily”.
The plants are pollinated by insects, particularly bees. They are often used as ornamental plants and have been introduced to temperate regions including Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. A number of cultivars have been developed for garden use.
Here are some of the best Kniphofia species:
Kniphofia uvaria –
Kniphofia uvaria, also known as poker plant or red hot pokers is a tall perennial that can grow up to 3 m in height. The leaves are lanceolate and the flowers are tubular with an orange-yellow or red coloration. This species has many common names including “poker”, and ‘red-hot paddle’. It’s fitting since these plants look like burning embers when they’re planting themselves out on your windowsill during summertime.
Kniphofia triangularis –
Kniphofia triangularis, commonly known as the “torch lily” or red hot poker is an erect herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. Its leaves are linear-lanceolate in shape and measure 6 inches long by 1 inch wide on average; they’re glossy green in color when not blooming (which happens during summer). The flowers themselves look like yellow/orange tubes with a darker spot inside – these will eventually turn into seed pods containing several seeds each if left unattended after pollination by bees! This species prefers well-draining soil but benefits greatly from being placed next door to a water source such as a pond due to its high water needs during summer.
Kniphofia northeast –
Kniphofia northeast, commonly known as the “poker plant” or “red hot poker”, is a tall evergreen herbaceous plant that can grow up to 3 meters in height. It is native to Africa and has been introduced to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The leaves are linear-lanceolate in shape and the flowers are tubular with an orange-yellow or red coloration. This species is very similar to Kniphofia uvaria but can be distinguished by its slightly larger size and more erect stature.
Kniphofia hybrid –
A cross between two popular species of knipholyzs, this plant shares characteristics with both parents and has a tall stature. The leaves are linear to lanceolate in shape while the flowers are tubular. It thrives well when grown indoors but requires good drainage at heart; it prefers moist soils with rich soil composition though not too wet since these would cause rot if they become stagnant. This plant is known to be rather a drought tolerant, able to withstand long periods of heat and little water. Kniphofia hybrid can grow in full sun or part shade but young plants need some protection from the harsh afternoon sun until they are more established. This species is a fast grower and will multiply quickly; it’s best to divide it every 2-3 years to keep it from taking over the garden bed.
Kniphofia sarmentosa –
Kniphofia sarmentosa – called the “poker plant” or “red hot poker” for its shape, this tall herbaceous perennial can grow up to 3 meters in height. It is native only to Africa and has been introduced into Europe, Australia New Zealand by humans. (There are many different species within Kniph Very few have left their original continent though). The leaves twist painlessly in one direction forming what looks like an old dirty shoe beneath them; these unique formations give way to the plant’s second common name, “shoelace plant”. The flowers are tubular and come in many colors depending on the subspecies.
Kniphofia gracilis –
Kniphofia gracilis is a tall, evergreen herbaceous plant that can grow up to 2 meters in height. It’s native to Africa and has been introduced into Europe (introduced by gardeners), Australia & New Zealand where it’s becoming more popular because of its beauty as well ease-of care measures like small size which make them perfect for beginners or homes with little space available outside; they also do not require much sunlight due to their wide shade tolerance. The leaves are linear-lanceolate shaped making this species similar yet distinguishable from Kniophoea uvaria, whose flower tube shape is more slender. Another key difference is that K. gracilis has red flowers whereas K. uvaria’s are yellow/orange.
Kniphofia trooper –
This tall evergreen plant can grow up to 3 meters in height and has red flowers. It’s different from Kniphofia uvaria because it’s slightly larger, more erect stature (that stands out), plus you’ll notice that there are longer filaments on its stamen – which makes them easier for pollinators such as bees or butterflies who feed off these plants during summer months when they need their host flower most.
Conclusion
There are many different types of Kniphofia plants, all of which are tall and evergreen. They originate from Africa and have been introduced to other continents such as Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. You should choose the right Kniphofia plant for your garden based on the climate you live in and the amount of space you have available. There are many different species of Kniphofia, so do some research to find the one that is best suited for your needs.
