Kniphofia uvaria is a species of flowering plant in the family Asphodelaceae, also known as tritomea, torch lily, or red hot poker, due to the shape and color of its inflorescence. The leaves are reminiscent of a lily, and the flowerhead can reach up to 1.52 m (5.0 ft) in height. There are many varieties of torch lily, and they bloom at different times during the growing season. The flowers are red, orange, and yellow.

Also known as torch plant or red hot poker lily for very good reason, red hot poker (Kniphofia) is a tough, striking plant that thrives in full sun, dry soil and scorching temperatures. You may find it challenging to select plants that grow well with red hot pokers, but there is actually a wide range of red hot poker lily companions. Kniphofia Plants. These fascinating perennials have spikes of two-toned flowers that look as if they were on fire. The two-toned effect is a result of uneven blooming of the tube-like florets along the spike: The bottom flowers turn yellow and start to wither before the top flowers are finished blooming. Red Hot Poker Plant The vibrant blooms of kniphofia Uvaria are living hummingbird magnets that soar 3-4 feet tall in the summer garden. Multiple tube shaped florets are a rich red, with a band of yellow florest at the base of the complex bloom. An attractive partner for sunny yellow Fragrant Returns dayli.

Distribution[edit]

Kniphofia uvaria originates from the Cape Province of South Africa,^[1] and has been introduced into many parts of the world, such as North America, Australia, New Zealand, Patagonia and Europe as a garden plant. It is hardy in zones 5-10.

In parts of south-eastern Australia, such as the Central and Southern Tablelands of New South Wales and southern Victoria, it has escaped cultivation and become naturalised.^[1] It is now regarded as an environmental weed in these locations, spreading from former habitations into natural areas, where it can grow in thick clumps and threaten sensitive ecosystems. Elsewhere in southern Australia it is regarded as a potential environmental weed, and it may have also naturalised in parts of South Australia and California.^[1]

References[edit]

1. ^ ^abc'Factsheet: Red hot poker – Kniphofia uvaria'. Weeds of Australia: Biosecurity Queensland Edition. Queensland Government. 2011. Retrieved 10 February 2012.

• Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. published as an e-book by Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. This book only uses the name 'Tritoma'.

Kniphofia Plants

External links[edit]

• Dressler, S.; Schmidt, M. & Zizka, G. (2014). 'Kniphofia uvaria'. African plants – a Photo Guide. Frankfurt/Main: Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg.

Kniphofia Uvaria