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Border Ballet Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia x 'Border Ballet'

Nature Hills Nursery
$7954
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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This perennial thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate light afternoon shade in the hottest climates, too much shade results in floppy flower stalks and duller orange red colors.
  • Soil: Plant in gritty, well-drained soil to prevent crown rot, which is the most common cause of failure. If you have heavy clay, plant in a raised bed or incorporate organic compost and small gravel to ensure water moves away from the roots quickly.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water twice a week to help the deep taproot establish itself. Once mature, Border Ballet is quite drought tolerant, though consistent moisture during the heat of summer ensures the most prolific flower spikes. If the soil stays bone dry for too long, the plant may skip its secondary bloom cycle and the foliage will begin to look scorched.

Pruning Tips

Because this plant blooms on new growth, you should remove spent flower spikes as soon as they fade to encourage the plant to send up fresh stems. In late autumn or early spring, avoid cutting the foliage back to the ground; instead, tie the leaves together or leave them intact to protect the crown from winter moisture. Think of the old foliage like a natural umbrella that keeps the center of the plant dry during the dormant season.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring as new green growth appears to fuel the summer flower production. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages soft, tender growth that is easily damaged by the first frost. A light mulch of compost around the base provides plenty of nutrients while also improving soil structure over time.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

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A hybrid Kniphofia seed strain that features a variety of flower colors ranging from pinks, oranges and reds to yellows, creamy hues, and glowing color, the unusual blooms of the Border Ballet Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia x 'Border Ballet') will thrill and amaze you each summer into autumn! These unusual flower spikes open from the bottom to the top for a long-lasting display!

Also known as Torch Lily, these brilliant blooms are full of tubular individual flowers, grouped into a flower spike that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds galore! Highlighted by arching, strappy, sword-like green leaves, these form compact, clumps that are fantastic throughout the landscape!

The eye-catching spikes are long-lasting and bloom primarily in June and July, and when deadheaded by removing the flower stems into the base they can rebloom into September. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 5 - 9 and grow 18-24 inches in height and width in optimal conditions.

Planting and Application:

Stand-out blooms attract the attention of local Hummingbirds and butterflies! Pollinator plantings and Cutting gardens will be brimming with blooms so plant a few extras for your local pollinators and so your bouquets will be filled with unique flowers! Add something unexpected to the Children's Garden and delight the youngsters while encouraging them to get outside more!

Red Hot Pokers are ideal as specimen plants and novelty focal points! Plant throughout your Perennial beds and borders, kick that Cottage garden into the 21st century, or spice up that Rock Garden! High style borders and edging for beds, paths, and walkways, the wonderful foliage is a perfect facer plant to front your larger shrubs and trees.

Sized perfectly for large planters and containers as dramatic thrillers, your porch, patio, and sunny balconies can be adorned with these curious perennials! Anywhere you plant them the pollinators and curious neighbors will follow!

  • Glowing Multi-Color Blooms
  • Long Tubular Flowers - Perfect for Butterflies & Hummingbirds!
  • Clump Forming Upright Bunches & Compact Growth
  • Strappy Green Upright Foliage
  • Long Bloom Time & Long Lasting Flowers!
  • Specimen & Border Plant Accent

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Plant in full sun where these Perennials can soak up the rays all day long. Red Hot Pokers thrive in very well-drained soils with moderate fertility. Enjoying moderate moisture and watering during summer and in times of drought, always give young plants continuous moisture to become established. In especially arid locations, a 3-4 inch thick layer of arborist bark chips helps hold in moisture and enrich the soil. Deadhead throughout the summer to keep the blooms returning until autumn, otherwise, these are low-care plants! Deer and rabbit-resistant and cold-hardy too!

  • Full Sun
  • Xeric & Low Moisture Needs Once Established
  • Prefers Very Well-Drained Soils
  • Semi-Evergreen in Warmer Climates
  • Deadhead As Blooms Fade - Prune Down in Fall

Glowing exclamation points for your landscape! The Border Ballet Red Hot Poker is a fantastically unique addition to your garden this year! Order yours today at NatureHills.com before this curiosity is out of stock!

Growing Zones 5-9

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