Species red-hot poker
Yellow flowers with stigma, yellow-orange buds and brown stems.

red-hot poker

Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle'

The Red-hot Poker is an eye-catching plant species with tall, upright foliage and spikes of bright-orange or yellow flowers. The vibrant blooms of this Kniphofia species look like pokers dipped in flame, thus its common name. The variety 'Pineapple Popsicle' has a distinctly pineapple-scented flower, making it an excellent option for a fragrant garden. Long-lived and hardy, the Red-hot Poker tolerates poor soil and extended drought conditions, ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. It blooms from late spring to early summer, making it an excellent perennial choice.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 8

Flowers:

Pineapple-yellow Flowers

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Tropical:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Red-hot poker (Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle') should be watered thoroughly and deeply once per week. During periods of extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice per week. Always allow the soil to dry out in-between watering sessions to avoid overwatering. In the cooler seasons, water less often but maintain enough moisture to keep the soil consistently damp. Additionally, if the plant is in a container, make sure to check for moisture several inches below the surface of the soil before watering again.

sunlight

Red-hot poker plants prefer full sun and grow best when they receive 6-7 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can handle light shade, but will grow more vigorously with adequate levels of direct sunlight. Red-hot poker plants are native to South Africa, which typically has mild winters and hot, dry summers.

pruning

The best time to prune a red-hot poker, or Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle', is in early spring. While the exact amount of pruning may vary depending on the individual plant and its location, generally a light trim is all that is required. Take care not to remove too much foliage from the plant as this can lead to an unhealthy plant. To prepare for pruning, use sharp gardening scissors or shears to cut back dead or damaged stems and foliage. Overall, aim to keep the shape of the plant intact while removing a few sections here and there.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Kniphofia 'Pineapple Popsicle' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map