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Photo:
Pat Kolling
Red Hot Poker
Fire Dance Dwarf Poker
Latin Name:
Kniphofia hirsuta 'Fire Dance'
Low-growing, compact species. 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. Flowering stalks (up to 2' tall) emerge in early summer from the cente
Taxon ID#
50
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance Level:
Low
Min. USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Sun Preference:
Full Sun
Water Preference:
VL
Soil Preference:
Best grown in evenly moist, well-draining soils in full sun.
Fertilizer Needs:
Recommended Mulch:
Family:
Asphodelaceae
Origins:
Plant Type:
Herbaceous Plant, Perennial
South Africa
Oregon native:
no
Western state native:
no
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Foliage Color:
Green
Foliage Description:
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.
Fragrant:
no
Predominant flower color:
Orange
Flower Description:
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.
Fall color:
no
Fall Color Description:
Winter Foliage:
Deciduous
Winter Interest:
no
Winter Interest Description:
Mature height:
18-24"
Mature spread:
18-24"
Growth rate:
Fast
LANDSCAPE APPLICATION
Deer Resistant:
yes
Fire Resistant:
yes
Attracts Pollinators:
yes
Attracts Butterflies:
yes
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'
Attracts Birds:
yes
Cut/Dried Flowers:
yes

Photo:
Kathy Ketchum
Used by Wildlife:
no
Hedge/Screen:
no
Swales:
no
Wildlife Use:
Border:
yes
Erosion Control:
yes
Windbreak:
no
Cover Structures:
no
Ground Cover:
no
Provides Shade:
no
Rock Garden:
yes
Adds Texture/Movement:
no
First Bloom:
Jun
Last Bloom:
Sep
Ornamental Accent:
yes
Garden Observations:
SEASONAL CARE
Spring Care:
Summer Care:
Fall Care:
Winter Care:
Long Term Care:
Insect Pests:
No major pest problems.
Wildlife Pests:
Diseases:
No major disease problems. Root rot can occur if soils are too heavy and wet.
Environmental Problems:
Landscape Problems:
No serious problems
Care Comments:
RESOURCES
OSU Landscape Profile:
USDA Plants:
Calscape Database:
LBJ Native Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden Database:
Monrovia Profile:
Alternate Source 1:
Alternate Source 2:
Source Comment:

George & Vickie Minor
Whistle Stop Farm & Flowers
Empire Stone
Instant Landscape
McPheeter's Turf
High Desert Farms Nursery Sales
Thank you!
Join an OSU Master Gardener managed community garden this summer!
Put your name in the lottery to get a plot at either Hollinshead's or Discovery Park's community garden.
More information for: Discovery Park Garden


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