red-hot poker

Red-hot poker (Kniphofia 'Cobra') should be watered as often as possible, especially during its growth period in the spring and summer. Aim to water the plant once or twice a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. In more extreme weather conditions where temperatures are very high or low, you may need to water the plant once or twice a day. During the colder months, you should allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely for long periods of time as this can impair the health and growth of the plant. As a general rule, a deep soak once a week should suffice.

Red-hot poker (Kniphofia 'Cobra') thrives in full sun for maximum growth and blooms. When growing this plant species, it is best to plan for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. For optimal performance, red-hot poker should be planted in a sunny spot that receives full sun without any shadow from nearby buildings or trees. The plant will still survive in light shade, but will not reach its full potential. If grown in full shade, the stems will be leggy and flower production will be greatly reduced.

Red-hot poker (Kniphofia 'Cobra') should be pruned regularly, ideally in late spring after the flowering season has ended. Depending on the size of the plant, you may want to prune back only a portion of the stems each time in order to keep some of the foliage from the previous season. Remove any damaged or dead stems down to the base of the plant; remove any thin or weak stems as well to promote a healthy and attractive plant. Pruning back the bulky center clump of stems to no shorter than 2 thirds of their original size can also help to prevent the plant from becoming too leggy and weakly supported. Again, depending on the size of the plant, you may want to trim off only the tips of the stems every 2-3 years in order to promote an attractive compact growth habit.