Botanical Name: Kniphofia uvaria
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Common Name: Torchlily  
Plant photo of: Kniphofia uvaria
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Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Perennial

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Orange, Yellow

 

Flower Season

Summer, Fall

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Tropical

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen, Unusual Shape

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Norman's Nursery

  • Description

  • Notes

A sturdy South African native, known for its unique flower spikes and tough, grass-like foliage. The species has bicolor spikes in shades of orange and yellow, with the coloring fading into each other in an ombre-pattern. A plant of substance, it does well alone, in mass, or lining drives and entries. There are cultivars with flower size and color variations from the species. Deer and rabbit resistant. Attracts hummingbirds. Very drought and heat tolerant. Grows about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, though it will get wider in time.
Plant in full sun to mostly sun in well drained soil, preferably sandy-loam soils, in full sun to mostly sun. They will grow in a clay soil that has been amended with compost. Cut off spent flower spikes to maintain a tidy appearance. If necessary, divide in spring, though it will manage quite well if left undisturbed for years. Heavy, soggy soils are nearly always death for the kniphofia. Species grows 3 feet tall and wide, though in time it will be wider. Also commonly called red-hot poker, this name gets a little confusing when used with cultivars that aren't, well, red, so we prefer the common name torchlily. An excellent cut flower. Sometimes evergreen in a mild winter or where planted to maximize winter sun.