A vivid red-hot poker grown for its striking flowers and its ability to flower in its first year, Kniphofia uvaria Flamenco is a compact, clump-forming, evergreen perennial with strap-shaped, grey-green leaves. The splendid ‘poker’ flower-heads, borne from summer to early autumn on sturdy stems, open brilliant orange-red, slowly fading from the base to orange, then yellow, as the long, tubular florets go over. Red-hot poker Flamenco gives a fiery splash of colour if planted en masse – the name says it all! Good for sunny beds and borders in smaller gardens, and ideal for gravel or Mediterranean plantings, particularly in coastal areas.
How to take care of Kniphofia uvaria Flamenco
Kniphofia uvaria Flamenco dislikes waterlogged, heavy soils or those that are prone to drying out, avoid rich soils as they promote weak growth vulnerable to frost-damage. Kniphofia uvaria Flamenco loves a well-drained soil containing organic matter and a sunny position.
Kniphofia uvaria Flamenco are best grown in containers, spacious pots and/or raised borders and when they become root bound they will flower more profusely. Keep Kniphofia uvaria Flamenco frost-free for winter by ensuring the crowns are covered with sand or bracken or move pots to a frost-free location until spring.
Once established feed Kniphofia uvaria Flamenco in spring with an Organic Fertiliser and during the summer with a liquid fertiliser.
Let Kniphofia uvaria Flamenco die back naturally; the yellowing foliage will provide nutrients for next year’s bloom. No need to cut down in the autumn, as the seed heads look attractive over winter.
