Kniphofia 'Tnknipr' POCO™ Red torch lily, red hot poker
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,3-0,5m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
semi-deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
July-October
location
full sun
USDA zone (lowest)
7 (down to -23°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Torch lily series POCO™ was developed by Janet N. Egger from Terra Nova Nursery in Oregon, USA. It comprises of slightly shorter and compact growing plants of so far 4 colours (in 2019), renowned predominantly for their extended blooming period. They are also popular for their increased hardiness and tolerance to heavier soil. All of these advantages are beneficial for Central European landscapes and we recommend POCO™ series over any other cultivar.
Description of the plant:
POCO™ Red torch lily has an interesting shade of pastel red, 10-12 cm long spike-like inflorescence (terminal raceme) composed of small, tubular flowers which open from bottom to top. They appear as early as in mid July, and stems with new flowers are formed continuously until the last sunny and warm days of autumn (October) which makes POCO™ torch lilies the longest flowering varieties known today. Semi-deciduous leaves are linear, narrow, dark green, and look like day-lily leaves but are firmer and more erect. Flowering stems are strong, about 50 cm tall, and do not bend in wind or break after a heavy rain. Patent No. PP27446 was granted in 2016.Torch lily needs a location in full sun and humus-rich, moist but well drained soil. Feeding is not necessary but a good phosphorus-based fertilizer will enhance production of new flower buds and the clump will grow faster and stronger. Just beware of slugs that can severely damage flowers buds, especially as they are borne at the ground level, but they also often climb the stems at night to feast on the unopened buds at the very top. In spring cut off all stems and leaves about 5 cm above ground level after the frosts. This series is hardy to min. -24°C, possibly a few degrees more if mulched.
Last update 29-09-2019
