Is Regal Torchlily good for the Colorado Front Range?

Yes, Regal Torchlily is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.

How far apart do I plant Regal Torchlily?

Space Regal Torchlily about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.

Is Regal Torchlily hardy on the Front Range?

Regal Torchlily is hardy in USDA 5 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.

How much water does Regal Torchlily need?

It needs low to medium water once established.

Is Regal Torchlily native to Colorado?

No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.

How long does Regal Torchlily bloom?

Regal Torchlily blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.

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Regal Torchlily

Kniphofia caulescens

Compiled by Nicholas Julia · Reviewed against CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-10-30

Regal Torchlily (Kniphofia caulescens) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Hummingbird magnet; silvery-blue strappy foliage holds through winter.

Plant Select®low to medium water24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wise

Photos

Photo 1: Tubifex, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
Photo 2: (c) Shaun Swanepoel, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 3: (c) Shaun Swanepoel, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo 4: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Photo 5: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)

At a glance

Will it survive here?

Hardiness zones: USDA 5 to 9
Water needs: low to medium water
Sun: Best in full sun.
Soil: loam, sandy
Soil pH: 6.5 to 8.0
Hail tolerance: high
Wind tolerance: high
Salt tolerance: moderate

How big, what shape?

Mature size: 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide
Planting spacing: ~17 to 24 in apart

What it looks like, and when

Bloom time: late summer, early fall
Bloom color: orange, red, yellow
Bloom length: 2 to 3 weeks
Foliage: Semi-evergreen

Who else benefits

Pollinator value: high
Deer: Not rated
Colorado native: No

Also worth knowing

Fire rating: Not rated

Planting & establishment

Deep water every 1 to 2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Is Regal Torchlily good for the Colorado Front Range?: Yes, Regal Torchlily is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
How big does Regal Torchlily get?: It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide.
How far apart do I plant Regal Torchlily?: Space Regal Torchlily about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
Is Regal Torchlily hardy on the Front Range?: Regal Torchlily is hardy in USDA 5 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
How much water does Regal Torchlily need?: It needs low to medium water once established.
Is Regal Torchlily native to Colorado?: No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
How long does Regal Torchlily bloom?: Regal Torchlily blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.