Red Hot Pokers (also known as Torch Lilies) are tough-as-nails perennials that generally don’t need much fussing. Their low-maintenance vibe really shines when it comes to pruning, too. However, if you want to keep these South African beauties blooming their heads off, there are a few tips you should keep in mind.
Pruning Red Hot Pokers: The Basics
When autumn rolls around, most gardeners head out to the flower beds to cut everything back and prep for winter. But smart gardeners know to skip the Red Hot Poker! These plants are a bit of an exception to the rule and should never be pruned in the fall.
Instead of reaching for the shears, you’ll want to leave those long, evergreen leaves right where they are to help the plant survive the winter. Just gather the foliage and tie it together over the “heart” (the center) of the plant to protect it from the elements. For regular maintenance, stick to these three golden rules:
- Always wait until spring to prune your Red Hot Pokers.
- Cut the leaves back close to the ground.
- Only remove spent flower stalks immediately as they fade.
How to Prune Like a Pro
When you grab your shears in the spring, you’ll want to cut back last year’s foliage about a hand-width above the soil. As you’re tidying up, just be careful not to nick any of the fresh new growth or emerging flower spikes.
Expert Tip: Pruning can be a little stressful for the plant, so why not give it a little TLC? After you’re finished, treat your Red Hot Poker to a bit of mature compost to help it bounce back.
Deadheading: Why You Should Cut Faded Blooms
Throughout the blooming season, your Red Hot Poker will naturally produce some faded flower stalks. You’ll want to remove these as soon as they start looking tired. Use a sharp pair of garden shears and cut the stalks down as low as possible. By removing these spent blooms, you prevent the plant from putting its energy into producing seeds.
Developing seeds takes a ton of energy! If the plant spends all its strength on seeds, it won’t have enough left to put on a spectacular show next year. So, if you want maximum flower power, keep up with the deadheading. On the flip side, if you’re planning on collecting seeds to propagate new plants, feel free to leave a few faded flowers alone!
