Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Perennials and bulbs
Indigenous | Easy Care | Perennials and bulbs
The red hot poker is one of the most dramatic perennials for a coastal garden. Above a fountain of narrow, arching, grass-like leaves, tall, sturdy stems carry dense, torch-shaped spikes of tubular flowers.
The buds open from the top down, typically fiery red at the top fading to orange and yellow below, giving the classic two-toned poker effect. Different forms flower at different times of year, so with a selection you can have pokers in bloom from autumn through winter and into spring. Sunbirds and bees work the flowers all day. It is tough, wind-tolerant, drought-hardy once established, and completely at home in the sandy, coastal conditions here. Once planted and happy, it resents being moved.
Up to 1.2 m in flower. The foliage clump is about 60 cm tall and wide.
Moderate.
Bold clumps in borders, beside water features, among aloes and grasses, wildlife garden, container. Excellent for winter and spring colour.
Full sun. Flowers best in open, sunny positions.
Well-drained soil. Handles sandy coastal conditions. Add some compost at planting to give it a good start.
Moderate while establishing. Drought-hardy once settled, though it flowers more generously with some water through its growing season.
A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser supports stronger flowering.
Remove spent flower spikes at the base. Tidy old, dead leaves from the clump in late winter. Do not cut the entire clump back unless it has become very tatty.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
