The Colorful Perennial You Can Plant Now For A Fall & Spring Full Of Stunning Blooms

Are you searching for a perennial to grow in the fall for late-season color? Plant it now as fall arrives, and the dramatic red hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria) will adorn your yard with torch-like flowers in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, rising on tall stalks above grassy clumps of foliage. Best of all? The same stunning blooms will return early in spring. 

Hot poker plants are gorgeous perennials to grow for stunning orange flowers, and for their appeal to hummingbirds and butterflies, who love their tubular blossoms. Gardeners in USDA zones 5 to 9 can count on this hardy plant to return each year, even in the colder reaches of the range, where it may die back temporarily over winter. 

Many gardeners wait until spring to put red hot poker flowers in the ground. However, early fall is actually one of the best times to plant it. Cooler temperatures reduce stress on the new plants, while the still-warm soil encourages healthy root growth before winter sets in. Planting now means your red hot poker has time to settle in and establish a strong root system, so it can focus its energy on producing showy flowers once the next growing season arrives. Of course, timing is just one factor; where and how you plant your red hot poker makes a huge difference on how well it grows and thrives, too.

There are several important things to know before planting red hot pokers in your yard. Success with the red hot poker starts with location; this flower performs best with at least six hours of direct light each day. Although it tolerates partial shade, expect fewer blooms if you plant it in the shadier parts of your garden. Likewise, make sure your red hot pokers have access to well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; overly wet conditions, especially in winter, can lead to root rot. Adding mulch will help regulate soil temperature and preserve moisture, especially after you plant the flowers in the fall.

Mature red hot poker is drought tolerant, whereas young plants require regular watering. Foliage should be left in place over winter to protect the crown (you can get rid of it come spring). Red hot poker is one of the perennials you should avoid dividing often because it doesn't respond well to root disturbance.

If you're thinking about planting red hot pokers in a smaller yard, consider their compact or dwarf varieties. These reach just 2 feet in height, which makes them perfect for tighter spaces. No matter which variety you choose, planting in early fall gives red hot pokers the best chance to grow with strong roots.