Red Hot Poker ‘Glowstick’

Kniphofia uvaria ‘Glowstick’

Characteristics

Culture

Grow Red Hot Poker ‘Glowstick’ in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun; and it prefers rich, humusy soils. Intolerant of wet, heavy soils. Locate in areas protected from wind. Promptly remove spent flower spikes. Crowns benefit from winter protection in USDA Zones 5 and 6 (mulch or tie leaves together forming a canopy over the crown so as to prevent water from settling on the crown and freezing). Established clumps are best left undisturbed.  Dead heading may prolong blooming by removing old flower spikes. Red Hot Poker ‘Glowstick’ foliage may decline after flowering, simply cut back foliage by one half to freshen. Leave foliage for winter protection and cut back to 3 inches in spring.  Apply general purpose fertilizer in spring before new growth begins.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Kniphofia uvaria, commonly known as red-hot poker or torch lily, is an upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial that is native to South Africa.  Red Hot Poker ‘Glowstick’ is a new improvement to an old garden favorite. Glowstick flowers its first year with bottlebrush spikes of bright yellow tones. Good for smaller gardens. An All-American Selections Winner 1999.

From a basal tuft of coarse, linear, sword-shaped, semi-evergreen, bluish-green leaves arises a succession of thick, naked flower stalks with dense terminal racemes of drooping, tubular flowers. Buds and emerging flowers are yellow.

Genus name honors Johann Hieronymus Kniphof (1704-1763) German physician and botanist.

Problems

No significant insect or disease problems. Watch for root rot in poorly-drained soils. Thrips may appear in some areas.

Garden Uses

Specimen, small groups or mass in the perennial border. Great for small garden spaces. Good cut flower.