Sword-shaped red-hot poker (Kniphofia ensifolia) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 50cm – 1.5m wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Sword-shaped red-hot poker (Kniphofia ensifolia).
This plant is commonly known as sword-shaped red-hot poker.
This is a evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: sword-shaped red-hot poker
Scientific name: Kniphofia ensifolia
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Tufted
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Informal Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Sword-shaped red-hot poker (Kniphofia ensifolia) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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.
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Sword-shaped red-hot poker (Kniphofia ensifolia), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Sword-shaped red-hot poker (Kniphofia ensifolia) is a plant that prefers to grow in loam or sand.
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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.
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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.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH acid or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Kniphofia ensifolia likes to grow in moist but well drained soil.
Sunlight
Sword-shaped red-hot poker (Kniphofia ensifolia) should be grown in full sun places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Sword-shaped red-hot poker (Kniphofia ensifolia) – Krzysztof Golik, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
