Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

6 other cultivars

perennial

Red Hot Poker

Q: What zones can Red Hot Poker grow in?

Red Hot Poker is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Q: Is Red Hot Poker deer resistant?

Yes — Red Hot Poker is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

Q: When does Red Hot Poker bloom?

Red Hot Poker typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Q: Does Red Hot Poker need full sun?

Red Hot Poker does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Q: Is Red Hot Poker drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red Hot Poker handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Kniphofia x hybrida 'Papaya Popsicle'

$13.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Kniphofia is a genus of clump-forming, rhizomatous perennials native to the grasslands and mountain regions of Africa. They produce upright, unbranched scapes topped with dense, terminal racemes of tubular flowers that open from the bottom upward.

'Papaya Popsicle' is a compact, dwarf cultivar from the Popsicle series featuring a neat, grass-like habit of narrow, arching leaves. The two-tone flower spikes emerge coral-red and mature to a warm papaya-orange and cream-yellow from early summer through fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, upright spikes of two-tone coral-red and papaya-orange flowers above neat, grass-like foliage.

Offers high drought tolerance once established and is highly resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.

Provides a rich nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Africa (genus)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Early summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

New Garden Plants

<1 Gal Pot

In Stock$13.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with exceptionally well-draining, sandy or loamy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and install the plant so the crown sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain moderate moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the immediate crown to prevent moisture retention.

Pro Tip

In Zone 6, tie the grassy foliage loosely together over the crown in late fall to form a protective canopy that prevents winter water and ice from pooling in the center.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back spent flower spikes to the base of the plant to stimulate continuous re-blooming.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly, particularly during the winter months when wet crowns are susceptible to rot.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, poorly draining clay soils that retain water around the roots.
Do not divide the plant frequently, as the fleshy root system dislikes soil disturbance.
Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody tissue at the base of the crowns.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Border EdgingMass PlantingRock GardensCutting GardensCoastal Gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Echinacea Achillea Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Hot Poker questions

What zones can Red Hot Poker grow in?

Red Hot Poker is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Hot Poker deer resistant?

Yes — Red Hot Poker is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Hot Poker bloom?

Red Hot Poker typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Hot Poker need full sun?

Red Hot Poker does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Red Hot Poker drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Red Hot Poker handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.