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red hot poker plant

Looking to add vibrant colour and architectural flair to your garden? The red hot poker plant is a must-have for anyone seeking dramatic flowers, garden reliability, and unique form. Known botanically as Kniphofia, red hot poker plants are prized throughout New Zealand for their bold spires of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, resembling glowing torches. These perennial beauties are easy to grow and offer seasonal interest that will delight both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

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
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.

Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

5 from 2 customers

Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering during the warmest months, it adds bold colour and structure to NZ gardens and landscapes. This variety is ideal for feature planting where strong visual impact is desired.

From $30.29

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 4.50 m
Spread: 3.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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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 - Callistemon, Carex, and Escallonia, or related Categories - Grasses, Perennials, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search red hot poker plant

What is the Red Hot Poker Plant?

The red hot poker plant (Kniphofia) is a striking perennial native to Africa. Its long stems are topped with clusters of tubular flowers in warm tones, blooming from spring through autumn depending on the variety. These plants typically thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil, tolerating drought once established. Their upright, grassy foliage and tall flower spikes make them perfect for garden borders, focal plantings, and containers.

Garden Benefits and Uses

Red hot poker plants stand out not just for their showy blooms, but also for their versatility. They attract pollinators like bees and birds, bringing life and movement to your garden. Their tough nature makes them ideal for coastal gardens, low-maintenance borders, and areas prone to dry spells. They pair beautifully with ornamental grasses and other perennials. For even more colour, consider combining them with shrubs like Photinia Super Red (Red Robin) or trees such as Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'.

Popular Red Hot Poker Varieties for NZ Gardens

Ready to find the perfect red hot poker plant for your space? There is a variety to suit every garden:

These hardy red hot poker varieties not only add dramatic texture, but also prolong your garden’s flowering season.

How to Grow Red Hot Poker Plants

Red hot poker plants thrive with simple care. Plant them in a sunny site with free-draining soil. Water regularly during the establishment phase, then reduce as plants mature. Remove spent flower spikes to encourage repeat blooming. Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate growth and spread your hot pokers throughout the garden.

Where to Buy Red Hot Poker Plants in New Zealand

Our nursery stocks a curated range of red hot poker plant varieties suited for Kiwi conditions. Browse favourites like Kniphofia Little Maid (Hot Poker Plant), Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant), and Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant) to find the ideal choice for your garden.

Add a red hot poker plant to your landscape for outstanding colour and resilience. Whether you’re transforming a flower bed or creating a striking border, these low-maintenance perennials are sure to impress.

Contact us

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 Ficus benjamina 'Variegata' and Azara microphylla, but you might just fall in love with Westringia 'Grey Box', Gleditsia 'Emerald Cascade' (Weeping Honey Locust), and Azalea 'Kirin'.
–The Plant Company

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