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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 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
photinia-super-red--1

Photinia 'Super Red' (Red Robin)

5 from 3 customers

Photinia 'Super Red' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vibrant red new growth that contrasts beautifully with mature green foliage. This hardy plant provides year round colour and structure in NZ gardens. Ideal for hedging, screening, and feature planting, it offers a bold look and reliable performance across a wide range of garden styles.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 3.00 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Buddleia, Callistemon, Camellia, Carex, Clivia, Coprosma, Escallonia, Hebe, Hibiscus, Hoya, Hypoestes, Imperata, Kniphofia, Lagerstroemia, Leptospermum, Leucothoe, Loropetalum, Magnolia, Pelargonium, Persicaria, Phormium, Photinia Rhododendron and Salvia, or related Categories - Flaxes, Grasses, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, Vireya Rhododendon, Deciduous Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

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.

–The Plant Company

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