Hybrids are common and have considerably extended the available color options, plant sizes and bloom times. Plant size ranges from dwarf (to 1 1/2’ tall) to very tall (to 6’ tall). Numerous flower colors are available in commerce, including shades of red, orange, pink, yellow, white, greenish-white, creamy pastels and bicolor. Flowers in each scape typically bloom, bottom to top, from late spring to mid-summer, often with some continued bloom to late summer or early fall. From the center of a basal tuft (rosette) of coarse, strap-shaped, linear leaves rises a succession of thick, naked flower scapes featuring dense, terminal, spike-like racemes of drooping, short-stalked, tubular flowers. Species plants are native to mountainous areas in southern to tropical Africa. Common names such as red hot poker, rocket flower and torch lily describe the showy flower spikes (often broad at the top but tapered at the base) which are the signature feature of this ornamental perennial.

Kniphofia is a genus of 60-70 species of evergreen to deciduous, mostly clump-forming, rhizomatous perennials featuring linear strap-shaped basal leaves and showy bottlebrush-like flower spikes. ‘Nancy’s Red’ will not come true from seed. Named cultivars usually must be divided, however, because the flower color typically will not come true from seed or viable seed will not be produced. If division becomes needed because of overcrowding, consider severing offsets from the edge of the plant to minimize the amount of disturbance to the rhizomes. Established clumps are best left undisturbed.

Cut back foliage to 3” above the ground in early spring in anticipation of the new growing season. Tie leaves together in late fall to form a canopy over the crown in order to prevent water from settling in the crown and freezing. Crowns benefit from winter protection in USDA Zones 5 and 6.

To the extent possible, locate in areas protected from wind. Best with a full sun exposure, but tolerates some light shade in hot summer climates. Plants require sharp soil drainage, particularly in winter when root rot can be a severe problem. Best grown in humus-rich, evenly moist, well-drained soils in full sun.

Red button ginger full sun