Kniphofia 'Nancy Red'

Description and Characteristics

Kniphofia ‘Nancy Red’ is a compact and vibrant variety of red hot poker, offering a striking display of fiery, deep coral-red flower spikes that transition to creamy yellow near the base. This variety stands out for its floriferous nature, mid-sized stature, and long blooming period, making it an excellent choice for adding bold colour and structure to summer borders.

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, ‘Nancy Red’ features dense, grass-like foliage and strong vertical stems that hold the torched flowerheads well above the leaves. The blooms are made up of tubular flowers tightly packed in cone-shaped spikes, loved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Typically growing to 60–75 cm tall and 45–60 cm wide, this variety suits a range of garden styles from cottage borders to modern prairie designs and is ideal for containers, mixed beds, and wildlife-friendly spaces.

• Deep coral-red flower spikes fading to pale yellow at the base

• Upright, clump-forming habit with strappy green leaves

• Height: 60–75 cm; Spread: 45–60 cm

• Bloom time: mid to late summer (July to September)

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

• Ideal for mixed borders, gravel gardens, and pollinator beds

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Kniphofia ‘Nancy Red’ is a drought-tolerant, sun-loving perennial that thrives in well-drained soil. It requires minimal upkeep and provides a reliable summer display when planted in the right conditions.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best flowering

  • Avoid deep shade, which reduces bloom production

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, fertile soil

  • Tolerates sandy or loamy soils; dislikes heavy clay unless amended

  • Ideal pH is neutral to slightly acidic

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment

  • Once established, it is drought-tolerant

  • Avoid waterlogged conditions, especially in winter

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring

  • Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers

• Pruning and Deadheading:

  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering

  • Cut back flower stalks once they are spent

  • In late autumn or early spring, tidy up the plant by removing old foliage

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9; protect the crown in colder areas with a dry mulch

  • In wet climates, ensure excellent drainage or lift and overwinter in a frost-free space

  • Avoid cutting back green foliage in autumn, as it helps protect the crown

• Dividing and Replanting:

  • Divide clumps every 3–5 years in spring or early autumn

  • Replant divisions immediately to prevent drying out

Design Applications, Companions, and Pollinator Benefits

Kniphofia ‘Nancy Red’ is perfect for gardeners seeking bold vertical accents and long-lasting summer colour. Its warm tones work well in a variety of planting schemes and it supports wildlife and ecological gardening.

• Design Uses:

  • Great for sunny borders, coastal gardens, drought-tolerant planting, and modern prairie designs

  • Ideal in repetition planting or massed in drifts

  • Suitable for container gardens where space is limited

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with echinacea, rudbeckia, crocosmia, salvia, and ornamental grasses

  • Contrasts well with silver-leaved plants like Artemisia or Stachys

  • Complements warm colour palettes and sunset-themed plantings

• Pollinator Value:

  • Excellent nectar plant for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Flowers are tubular and rich in nectar, making them ideal for long-tongued pollinators

  • Valuable in pollinator pathways and wildlife corridors

• Cut Flower Qualities:

  • Adds bold height and colour to floral arrangements

  • Cut when lower flowers are open and upper buds still tight

  • Lasts well in a vase with clean water and a floral preservative

• Pests and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • May be affected by crown rot in poorly drained soils

  • Keep clumps airy and avoid overcrowding

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.