Kniphofia 'Red Hot Popsicle'

Red Hot Poker Xanthorrhoeaceae

A compact red-hot poker with considerably more staying power than the traditional towering types. ‘Redhot Popsicle’ produces dense spikes of cinnamon-to-coral-red flowers above a neat clump of narrow, grassy foliage. Unlike many older cultivars, the flowers retain their strong red colouring rather than fading as they age, and the plant is exceptionally free-flowering, producing successive spikes from early summer well into autumn. Terra Nova describes it as both free-blooming and reblooming — rather more like a packet of particularly persistent fireworks than a single summer display. 

‘Redhot Popsicle’ was bred by Janet N. Egger at Terra Nova Nurseries, Oregon, from a cross between two unpatented seedlings, Kniphofia 26-1 × Kniphofia 20-1. It was selected for its compact, multi-crowned habit, excellent vigour, numerous coral-red flower spikes and repeat flowering. US Plant Patent PP24036 was granted on 19 November 2013, with the cultivar forming part of Terra Nova’s POPSICLE™ Series. 

An excellent choice where space is limited, particularly effective towards the front or middle of a sunny border. Give it full sun and very free-draining soil, especially in winter; excessive winter wet is a greater threat than cold. The flowers are attractive to pollinating insects and make good cut flowers.

Height: 45–60cm
Spread: 40–50cm
Flowering: June–October
Position: Full sun
Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained; avoid winter wet
Hardiness: H5/H6, approximately −15 to −10°C