How big does Red hot poker grow?

About 1.2 m × 90 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.2 m × 30–90 cm.

What soil does Red hot poker grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous, acidic.

Is Red hot poker hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

When does Red hot poker flower?

Flowering: June–September, red, orange, yellow.

How much water does Red hot poker need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: medium.

How much does Red hot poker cost?

It sells for roughly €4.50 to €13 in local shops, depending on size.

Red hot poker

Kniphofia uvaria

Red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) is a perennial that reaches 1.2 m × 90 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: medium. Sold in local shops from about €4.50.

Illustration of Red hot poker — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

Red hot poker forms a clump of long, sword-like leaves and in summer sends up thick, bare stems topped by striking torch-shaped flower heads, red at the top and yellow below, which give a sunny border a strong vertical accent. It needs full sun and fertile, free-draining soil; once established it copes with drier spells but not with standing water. The crown needs protection from wet and hard frost in winter, and an established clump is best left undisturbed.

Watch out for

In Central Europe its hardiness is borderline, and it is usually winter wet rather than cold that kills it: in heavy, wet soil the crown and roots rot, and water that runs into the rosette and freezes destroys the growing point. Plant it only in a free-draining spot, do not cut it back in autumn but tie the leaves together over the crown and mulch the base with dry leaves or gravel; without snow cover it can be lost in frosts around -20 °C if unprotected. Plant in spring so that it roots in before winter. Thrips, aphids and slugs cause occasional damage.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.2 m × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, red, orange, yellow

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	1.2 m × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.2 m × 30–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	June–September, red, orange, yellow
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	50 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €4.50

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €4.50 – €13

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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