Kniphofia ‘Fire Dance’, commonly known as red hot poker or torch lily, is a striking perennial admired for its tall spikes of fiery orange-red flowers that fade to warm yellow as they mature. The tubular blooms are densely packed along upright stems, creating a torch-like effect above clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage. Flowering in mid to late summer, the vibrant blooms attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and pollinators while adding dramatic vertical color to sunny perennial borders. Its bold form and bright coloration make it a standout accent plant in mixed garden beds and contemporary landscapes.
- Size: Height: 60–90 cm (24–36 in) in bloom. Spread: 45–60 cm (18–24 in)
- Flower spikes: 20–30 cm (8–12 in) tall
- Bloom time: Mid to late summer
- Light: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil; prefers sandy or loamy soils
- Water: Moderate during establishment; drought tolerant once established
- Hardiness: Zones 5–9
- Maintenance: Remove spent flower spikes to encourage additional blooms; protect crown in colder climates with mulch
- Spacing: Plant 45–60 cm apart