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red hot poker flower

The red hot poker flower, also known as Kniphofia or torch lily, is a standout perennial that brings eye-catching colour and architectural form to New Zealand gardens. With its tall, striking spikes of red, orange, and yellow blooms that resemble glowing torches, the red hot poker flower adds drama to borders, beds, and even larger containers. These tough plants not only offer months of vibrant blooms from late spring through autumn, but also attract bees, butterflies, and native birds, making them a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking both beauty and biodiversity.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage through summer and autumn to bear showy clusters of flowers ranging in colour from orange, red, pink, yellow, and pastel.

From $20.63

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.

Clivia miniata 'Red'

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The lush, arching green leaves form an elegant clump, making this a standout choice for shaded New Zealand gardens.

From $20.01

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
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Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buddleia, Callistemon, and Clivia, or related Categories - Flaxes, Perennials, and Deciduous Shrubs.

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What is a Red Hot Poker Flower?

Native to South Africa, the red hot poker flower (Kniphofia) has earned its dramatic name from its fiery flower spikes. Each dense cluster sits atop strong, upright stems rising above clumps of evergreen, grass-like foliage. Their bold hues transition from red at the tip, blending through orange to yellow—instantly enlivening any planting scheme.

Many cultivars thrive in New Zealand’s climate, offering gardeners a range of sizes and colours to suit different settings. For a refined, multi-toned look, consider Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant), prized for its elegant flower shades and neat habit. Those with compact spaces or looking to edge a path might prefer Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant), which packs all the vibrancy of its taller relatives into a petite size.

Growing Red Hot Poker Flower in New Zealand

Red hot poker flowers excel in full sun and well-drained soils. Ideal for coastal and windy sites, they are tough and drought tolerant once established, making them well suited to the variable conditions found across many Kiwi gardens. Good drainage is key; avoid sites that get waterlogged over winter. A mulch of bark or compost helps retain moisture in summer and suppresses weeds, while an annual tidy-up of old leaves and spent flower stems keeps clumps healthy and looking sharp.

To enjoy more blooms, deadhead regularly and divide clumps every few years to maintain vigour. Combining red hot poker flowers with other sun-loving perennials or grasses creates striking contrasts in both form and colour.

Red Hot Poker Flower Planting Companions

The bold spikes of red hot poker flowers pair beautifully with other bright and dramatic plants. For a flame-inspired border, include striking companions like Clivia miniata 'Red' (Natal Lily), which offers bold red clusters of trumpet blooms in shaded spots, or the flamboyant Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red', whose brilliant summer flowers add an extra layer of fiery colour.

If you love the red theme, consider shrubs like Callistemon 'Red Alert'—the bottlebrush’s scarlet flowers will echo the hot poker’s drama while attracting nectar feeders to your garden.

Why Choose the Red Hot Poker Flower?

Hardy, low-maintenance, and long-flowering, the red hot poker flower is perfect for gardeners seeking easy yet unforgettable colour. Their upright, glowing spikes draw the eye and create seasonal spectacle—whether planted en masse, punctuating a border, or highlighting a mixed perennial bed. Explore selected cultivars such as Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant) and Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant) to discover the perfect red hot poker flower for your garden.

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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Everyone knows classic varieties like Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) and Gardenia radicans, but you might just fall in love with Nerium 'Madonna', Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red', and Leptospermum 'Burgundy Queen'.
–The Plant Company

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