Red Hot Poker

Plant Type: perennial
Plant Height: 2-5 feet
Spread: 1-3 feet
Flower Color: red-orange or yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Description:

Red Hot Poker is a member of the Asphodelaceae family and is native to South Africa. It's highly valued in gardens for its unique and eye-catching flowers, as well as its ability to attract pollinators.

The most notable feature of Red Hot Poker is its flower spikes. These spikes are dense clusters of tubular flowers that open from the bottom up, creating a striking gradient effect. The flowers are typically vibrant, with colors ranging from fiery red and orange to warm yellows, often combining these hues on a single spike. The blooming period is usually in the summer, but some species and varieties may have different bloom times.

In addition to its spectacular blooms, Red Hot Poker has grass-like foliage that forms a clump at the base of the plant. This foliage is generally evergreen in warmer climates, adding textural interest to the garden year-round.

Red Hot Poker plants are great for adding vertical interest in perennial borders, mixed beds, and can be stunning when planted in groups. They're also suitable for rock gardens and coastal gardens due to their tolerance of poor soils and windy conditions.

These plants prefer well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for water-wise gardens. They thrive in full sun and require minimal care, though deadheading spent flowers can promote more blooms.

Overall, Red Hot Poker plants are appreciated for their dramatic flowers, ease of care, and ability to add height and color to a variety of garden settings. Their distinctive blooms make them a favorite among gardeners looking to create a focal point in their landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Red Hot Poker

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 1-2 feet apart for compact growth or as a statement plant in your garden
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Red Hot Poker is a self-supporting perennial that does not require staking and produces tall, striking flower spikes

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Red Hot Poker is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks