Lady Luck Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia 'Lady Luck')

Lady Luck Red Hot Poker

Kniphofia 'Lady Luck'

Tall spires of soft peach blooms glow like sunset torches. Herbaceous perennial flowering plant; common name: Lady Luck Red Hot Poker.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; tolerates hot afternoon sun in temperate regions; produces fewer blooms in heavy shade
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -10°C; protect young plants from prolonged frost in cold climates
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow, strap-like evergreen leaves forming dense clumps; grey-green, leathery foliage
  • Flower: Dense upright spikes of tubular peach-pink blooms opening from bottom to top
  • Stem: Erect, sturdy green scapes supporting flower clusters
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during active growth and blooming

Fertilization

Apply balanced granular fertilizer once at the start of growth. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks; steep in water to make tea; dilute 1:20 for root drench to enhance flower production
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming and maintain tidy appearance
  • Trim browned leaf tips in early spring to refresh foliage clumps
  • Divide overcrowded clumps every 3–4 years in early spring to promote healthy growth
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden plant; attracts pollinators including bees and hummingbirds