Dwarf red-hot poker (Kniphofia triangularis)

Dwarf red-hot poker (Kniphofia triangularis) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Dwarf red-hot poker (Kniphofia triangularis).

This plant is commonly known as dwarf red-hot poker.

This is a deciduous plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: dwarf red-hot poker
Scientific name: Kniphofia triangularis
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Deciduous
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: City & Courtyard Gardens, Coastal, Informal Garden, Patio & Container Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding

Seasonal colors

How to plant Dwarf red-hot poker (Kniphofia triangularis) – Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.

They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.

Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.

But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.

How to plant

In this section we will learn how to plant Dwarf red-hot poker (Kniphofia triangularis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.

Soil

Dwarf red-hot poker (Kniphofia triangularis) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in clay, loam or sand.

• Clay soil is composed of more than 25 percent clay particles. These particles have a high moisture holding capacity and the soil is heavy to dig and can be waterlogged in winter (dry in summer).

• The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.

• Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.

It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.

Regarding drainage, Kniphofia triangularis likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.

Sunlight

Dwarf red-hot poker (Kniphofia triangularis) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Dwarf red-hot poker (Kniphofia triangularis) – Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons