Kniphofia hirsuta 'Fire Dance'
Common Name(s):
Red Hot Poker
Fire Dance Dwarf Poker
Synonym:
Torch Lily 'Fire Dance'
Flower:
Orange
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Sep
Flowering stalks (up to 2' tall) emerge in early summer from the center of foliage clumps, topped with a dense, cone-shaped cluster of tubular blooms. The unopened buds are a muted orange color and mature to a light yellow-green as they open.
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Asphodelaceae
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
Foliage:
Green
The stiff foliage (up to 2' long and 1" wide) is narrow and lance-shaped with a prominent center fold and fine hairs on both the upper and lower surfaces.
Fall Color?
YES
Narrow blue-green foliage remains intact into fall
Durable evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage lasts into winter
Photo by:
Heading 6
Grassy foliage remains intact offering structural interest
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
South Africa
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
VL
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
18-24"
Spread:
18-24"
Growth Rate:
Fast
Native Habitat:
Native to the southern Drakensberg region of South Africa and Lesotho where it is found on exposed, grassy slopes at altitudes between 8,000-9,000'
Soil:
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining soils in full sun.
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
None required
Mulch:
None, crown must remain free of cover to prevent rot
Requires full sun, regular deep watering, well-draining soil, little to no fertilizer, remove spent flowers, divide every 3-4 years in early spring
Long Term:
Winter:
Leave foliage intact to protect crown, tie leaves together to lessen chances moisture will get to crown, mulch in colder climes
Spring:
Prune back last years foliage to about 3", divide if needed, apply a balance fertilizer, ensure soil has good drainage, remove any mulch drom crown
Summer:
Needs full sun, well-drained soil, moderate water
Fall:
Minimal needs, protect crown from moisture, ensure good drainage, mulch to protect from cold winter conditions
General Care Comments:
Thrives in sull sun, well-drained fertile soil, occassional watering in hot, dry weather, deadheading, pruning old, dead, or damaged leaves, compost in spring
Common Problems
Root rot can occur if soils are too heavy and wet.
Diseases:
No major disease problems. Root rot can occur if soils are too heavy and wet.
Insects:
Aphids, thrips
Environmental Problems:
Poorly drained soils
Pests:
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