Kniphofia, or Red hot pokers, produce tall, torch-like flower spikes in warm shades of red, orange, apricot and yellow. Plants form strong clumps of strap-shaped foliage and flower from midsummer into early autumn, adding height, structure and fiery colour to sunny borders. 

Sow indoors from January to April for flowering the following year, or in September–October to overwinter seedlings for strong spring growth. Use a fine seed compost and surface sow or cover very lightly. Maintain a temperature of 18–22°C. Germination is naturally slow and erratic. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow on somewhere cool and bright. 

Plant out after the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny, well-drained site; kniphofia dislike sitting wet in winter. Space plants around 45–60cm apart. Water regularly during establishment, then sparingly once mature. Mulch lightly in spring and remove old foliage in early spring to tidy the clump. 

Kniphofia are long-lived, drought-tolerant once established, and excellent for wildlife. Their bold flower spikes pair beautifully with grasses, echinacea, rudbeckia and other sun-loving perennials.