What easy plants to grow! They will do
well in mid summer's heat, when other plants have wilted. They are great for
arid, and semi-arid areas. You may know Red Hot Poker by another name. It is
also called Torch Lily and Poker Plant. Red Hot Poker plants look their best
when grown in clumps, and displaying lots of blooms.
Plant in good well-drained soil enriched
with humus n full sun. Plant 2-3 inches deep and 24 inches apart. Protect them
from intense sun. Once, established, it does not like to be disturbed. It
rarely requires division; when necessary divide in spring. In cold areas use a
heavy winter mulch of leaves or protect the plant by tying the foliage over the
crown.
Check the height of the variety you
purchase to determine where it best fits in your mixed flower garden. Place
within easy viewing, so you won't miss the hummingbirds when they visit!
Depending on the variety, the perennial Red Hot Poker can grow anywhere from 2 to 5 feet in
height and blooms June and July. Hardy to zones 4-9.
The Red Hot Poker Fire Dance creates a glow
that will last from early through late summer. This variety, developed by
Jelitto Seeds, is only 20" tall and wide, making it the perfect size for small
spaces and containers. Coral red and yellow flower spikes grow atop a thick
clump of narrow, arching, blue-green foliage. The tough leaves are ignored by
deer and rabbits, but the brightly colored, tubular flowers are adored by
hummingbirds and butterflies! 