Also known as Red Hot Poker · 1.4k saves
Kniphofia
Kniphofia, the genus most gardeners know as red hot poker. We track 36 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Kniphofia varieties
See all 36 Kniphofia varieties →Search this genus →
6 species of Kniphofia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Kniphofia in Sow
Save the Kniphofia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Kniphofia
Whats common across all Kniphofia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 36 most-grown of them.
The Kniphofia year
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Remove dead or damaged foliage before new growth begins.
- DeadheadJune–August92% of varieties
Remove spent flower spikes at the base to encourage continuous blooming.
- DivideMarch and April89% of varieties
Divide congested clumps every 3-5 years when flowering declines.
- Winter PrepOctober and November47% of varieties
Tie foliage together loosely in late fall to protect the crown from winter moisture.
- FertilizeMarch33% of varieties
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
What goes wrong with Kniphofia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs | Chewed leaf edges | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Spider mites | Webbing on leaves | Apply insecticidal soap and increase humidity |
| Snails | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use snail bait or handpick during evening hours |
| Root rot | Wilting and discolored roots | Ensure well-drained soil and avoid overwatering |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Remove affected foliage and apply fungicide if needed |
Making more Kniphofia
Division
- Dig up mature clumps in early spring.
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact.
- Plant divisions immediately in prepared soil.
- Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.
Seed
- Collect seeds after flowering in late summer
- Sow seeds in moist seed-starting mix in early spring
- Keep soil evenly moist and place in bright, indirect light
- Germination occurs in 4-6 weeks
Kniphofia questions
How many types of Kniphofia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 36 distinct Kniphofia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 1.4k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Kniphofia grow in?
Across its varieties, Kniphofia covers USDA Zones 5–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Kniphofia bloom?
Most Kniphofia varieties bloom in mid-summer, summer, mid-summer to late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Kniphofia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.