The Red Hot Poker is a total showstopper in gardens all over the world, thanks to those iconic, torch-shaped blooms that light up the summer landscape. But while these beauties are tough enough to handle some heat, they aren’t exactly fans of a cold, wet winter. Even though many varieties are technically “hardy,” they usually need a little extra TLC to make it through the off-season in one piece.
Red Hot Pokers: Personality & Hardiness
The Red Hot Poker belongs to the Asphodeloideae subfamily. If you’re a plant nerd, you might remember that they used to be classified as lilies, but botanists eventually moved them into the Xanthorrhoeaceae (Grass Tree) family.
Most people call them Red Hot Pokers or Torch Lilies because of their fiery look, but their official botanical name is *Kniphofia*. These plants hail mostly from South Africa, though a couple of species have been spotted in Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula. Because of their sunny roots, they absolutely love soaking up the rays and can handle dry spells like a champ. However, they really struggle with the damp, chilly winters we get here.
By the way: Even if your plant tag says “frost-hardy,” that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. It’s usually the moisture, not just the cold, that gets them. Without the right protection, they often won’t survive to overwinter successfully.
Winter Protection: The Secret to a Long-Lived Plant
Since our winters tend to be pretty soggy with rain and snow, this South African native can get a bit grumpy. To keep the heart of the plant from rotting, you’ll want to protect the center of the rhizome. The best way to do this is by gathering those grass-like leaves in the fall and tying them together at the top to form a sort of “teepee” or tuft.
Next, pile a generous layer of dry leaves around the base of the plant to insulate the roots. You can weigh the leaves down with some evergreen boughs if it gets windy. Since the winter sun can actually be just as damaging as standing water, finishing off your winter prep with a cover of spruce brush is a smart move.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the thermometer! As soon as things start warming up in the spring, make sure to remove the protection so you don’t smother the new growth.
Expert Picks: The Best Cold-Hardy Varieties
If you’re looking for the toughest plants in the family, you’ll want to stick with the *Kniphofia uvaria* species. Some of my favorite hardy picks include ‘Alcazar,’ ‘Grandiflora,’ and the beautiful ‘Wrexham Buttercup’ hybrid. *Kniphofia caulescens* is another sturdy choice, along with the long-blooming Kniphofia ‘ritualis’, both of which handle typical winter conditions better than most.
