Tritoma sarmentosa
long slender-stoloned red-hot poker
An evergreen perennial to 60cm tall with stiff, grey-green leaves to 65cm long and 3cm wide. A winter to early spring-flowering species that can flower sporadically at other time of the year. Dense, conical flower spikes bear reddish-orange buds and flowers that age to cream or buff
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Orange Brown Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Cream Orange Brown Red | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asphodelaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Kniphofia may be evergreen or herbaceous perennials, with linear or strap-shaped leaves and erect stems bearing a dense raceme of tubular, usually pendent flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in full sun and fertile, moist but well-drained soil that isn’t too wet over winter. See kniphofia cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division of established clumps in late spring or by taking offshoots from the crown
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut down old flower stems after flowering; old or dead leaves can be tidied up or removed in mid-spring
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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