Red hot poker
Kniphofia uvaria
Also called Kniphofia, Torch lily and Tritoma
Garden plant · PerennialsIt rots in a wet winter, not a cold one. Tie the old leaves up over the crown in November to keep the rain out and it survives things that kill hardier plants.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 6 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Every 21 days
- Humidity
- Low
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a cold winter RHS H5, to -15°C
- Size
- 1.2 m tall · 1.25 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- the south-western Cape of South Africa
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsSafe for pets
PeopleNot checked yet
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.