red hot poker
Kniphofia uvaria
red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 36 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 8.0/10.
Colorado nativelow water36 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos






At a glance
- Botanical name
- Kniphofia uvaria
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 36 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- full sun
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- yellow, red
- Bloom time
- mid summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Good for
- slope
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is red hot poker good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. red hot poker is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a perennial suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does red hot poker get?
- It matures to about 36 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How much water does red hot poker need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is red hot poker native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.