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red hot poker nz

If you’re searching for a show-stopping perennial, the vibrant red hot poker plant is an excellent choice for New Zealand gardens. Known for their dramatic torch-shaped blooms and easy-care nature, red hot poker plants—often referred to by their botanical name, Kniphofia—bring bold colour and interest to borders, garden beds, and even coastal landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to growing, exploring the world of red hot poker NZ varieties will inspire you to add these striking flowers to your outdoor space.

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. This herbaceous perennial grows as a clump, producing thin, strap-like, mid-green leaves, and typically grows to 60 cm tall and the same wide. Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a versatile plant that is commonly planted to attract birds, included in borders and mixed plantings, planted around the base of trees, included in riparian plantings, or mass planted either on a bank or as a groundcover.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

5 from 1 customers

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant adds bold colour and structure to New Zealand gardens while remaining smaller and easy to place. Flowering through the warmer months, it attracts pollinators and provides long lasting interest. Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is ideal for borders, containers, and sunny garden beds.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 60 cm
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Riparian
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Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Azalea, Buddleia, Callistemon, Camellia, Carex, Clivia, Coprosma, Escallonia, Grevillea, Hebe, Hoya, Hypoestes, Imperata, Kniphofia, Lagerstroemia, Leptospermum, Loropetalum, Mandevilla, Phormium, Photinia, Pseudowintera, Rhododendron Rose and Sorbus, or related Categories - Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, Grasses, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Carpet Roses, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs, Vireya Rhododendon Deciduous Trees and Maple Tree.

Search red hot poker nz

What Is a Red Hot Poker?

Red hot pokers are native to South Africa but have flourished in New Zealand gardens thanks to their hardy qualities and brilliant summer displays. The spiky, upright blooms consist of tightly clustered flowers that transition from fiery red, through orange and yellow, to creamy green as they mature—hence their nickname. The dramatic look and long flowering period from spring through autumn make red hot poker NZ selections a must-have for anyone wanting to attract nectar-feeding birds and pollinators.

Popular Red Hot Poker NZ Varieties

Red hot pokers come in many shapes, sizes, and colours, with dwarf and compact cultivars perfect for smaller gardens or container planting. For incredible impact and easy growing, we recommend:

How to Grow Red Hot Poker NZ Plants

Red hot poker NZ plants thrive in sunny, free-draining spots. They appreciate a position with plenty of light and tolerate most soils, provided there is no standing water. Once established, these tough perennials are drought-resistant and require little fuss. Deadhead spent flower stems to encourage more blooms and cut back foliage in autumn for a tidy display. Red hot poker plants pair beautifully with grasses and New Zealand natives like Coprosma Hot Chocolate (Mirror Bush), offering year-round interest in modern and traditional gardens alike.

Why Choose Red Hot Poker NZ for Your Landscape?

Not only do red hot poker NZ varieties add bold structure and colour, but they’re also a smart pick for low-maintenance gardening. Their strong vertical presence draws the eye, and their ability to attract tui and other birds makes them an ecological asset. Whether you’re drawn to fiery shades or softer pastels, there’s a hot poker to suit every style of New Zealand garden.

Browse our range of exclusive red hot poker NZ plants and enjoy a resilient, long-flowering display in your own outdoor haven.


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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.

–The Plant Company

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