Question
i have a row of red hot pokers, that have grown a great deal this summer. can you tell me when is the earliest i can cut them back, and is it possible at this time of year to thin them out and trim them back at all?

Answer
Darren,

Torch lilies do not need to be pruned, but you should cut down the spent flower stalks in the late fall, but don't cut back the evergreen foliage in order to protect them over the winter. Division is best done in spring, if needed.

Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen