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How to Grow Red Hot Poker (Torch Lily)

Perennial, Tritoma

Drought- and heat-tolerant, red hot poker plants are easy to grow and thrive in mid-summer heat when other plants wilt. They're ideal for arid and semi-arid areas. Also known as torch lily and poker plant, they're native to South Africa.

Red hot poker grows 2–5 feet high depending on variety. Leaves are long, thin, and dagger-like. They produce flowered spikes from spring through fall if you deadhead spent spikes. Colors include red, orange, coral, cream, and yellow. Hummingbirds love the tubular florets—red is especially attractive to them.

Plants look best in clumps with lots of blooms. Check the variety's height to place it correctly in your mixed garden. Site them where you can easily watch hummingbirds visit!

Plant Propagation

Red hot poker grows from seeds. Direct-sow into the garden or start indoors for transplanting. Sow seeds early in the season and cover lightly with ¼ inch of fine garden or potting soil.

Ideal spacing is 18–24 inches. Thin or transplant seedlings when they reach 2 inches; they tolerate a little crowding.

Established plants can be propagated by division. Separate in spring or late fall and replant with crowns at or just below soil level.

How to Grow Red Hot Poker Plants

Red hot poker is very easy to grow. It likes full sun and prefers loose, rich, well-drained soil. Avoid wet soils—crowns can rot. Mix in compost if your soil isn't rich. Add a general-purpose fertilizer at planting, then monthly thereafter.

Once established, they grow well with minimal care. Just enjoy the brilliant blooms and visiting hummingbirds!

Flower spikes begin blooming in spring. Deadhead spent spikes (remove the entire spike) to promote continuous blooms through fall.

Though heat- and drought-tolerant, water during the driest summer periods.

In cold areas, add 2–3 inches of mulch before winter to protect crowns.