Kniphofia Nobilis

Description and Characteristics

Kniphofia nobilis, commonly known as Noble Red Hot Poker, is a robust, tall-growing species of kniphofia native to South Africa. Known for its dramatic vertical spikes of tubular red-orange flowers, this stately plant brings height, structure, and bold colour to summer and autumn borders.

Unlike more compact hybrids, nobilis can grow to a commanding height of 150–180 cm, making it a superb back-of-border plant or focal point. Its flowers are borne on thick, upright stems and open sequentially from the bottom upward, creating a prolonged and impressive display from late summer into early autumn. Mature plants form dense clumps of strap-like, arching green foliage, which provides architectural interest even when the plant is not in bloom.

Kniphofia nobilis is also highly attractive to pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, and makes a striking addition to wildlife-friendly, prairie-style, or coastal gardens.

• Tall, upright spikes of orange-red tubular flowers

• Height: 150–180 cm; Spread: 60–80 cm

• Flowering season: August to October

• Dense clump of green, sword-like leaves

• Ideal for large borders, wildlife gardens, and naturalistic planting

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Kniphofia nobilis is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant perennial once established. It prefers sunny sites with well-drained soil, and it benefits from some protection in colder or wetter regions.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for best performance

  • Shade will reduce flowering and may lead to weak stems

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, fertile soil

  • Tolerates sandy, loamy, and gravelly conditions

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils—raise beds if needed

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during establishment

  • Once mature, drought-tolerant

  • Avoid watering the crown in winter to prevent rot

• Feeding:

  • Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring

  • Apply a high-potash feed during flowering to extend bloom time

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to tidy the plant and promote further blooms

  • Cut back flower stems to the base after blooming

  • Trim away dead or damaged foliage in early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H4), but protect crown with dry mulch in colder regions

  • Ensure good drainage in winter to prevent crown rot

  • Avoid cutting back foliage too early—leaves help insulate the crown

• Dividing and Replanting:

  • Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour

  • Replant immediately in well-prepared soil

Garden Design, Companions, and Pollinator Benefits

Kniphofia nobilis offers strong vertical structure and fiery colour, making it a valuable plant in both formal and informal garden designs. Its height and presence lend themselves well to meadow plantings and late-season perennial schemes.

• Design Uses:

  • Perfect for large borders, prairie-style gardens, and wildlife-friendly schemes

  • Ideal as a specimen plant or in bold clumps for dramatic effect

  • Suitable for coastal areas, where it tolerates wind and sandy soil

• Companion Plants:

  • Combine with echinacea, rudbeckia, helenium, salvia, and ornamental grasses

  • Contrasts beautifully with blue or purple tones (e.g., Perovskia, Agastache)

  • Complements silver-leaved plants like Artemisia or Stachys byzantina

• Pollinator Attraction:

  • Excellent source of nectar and pollen

  • Attracts bees, butterflies, and hoverflies during late summer

  • Important late-season food source in pollinator pathways

• Cut Flower Qualities:

  • Adds height and bold colour to cut flower arrangements

  • Best cut when lower florets begin to open

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest-free and disease-resistant

  • May suffer from crown rot in wet, heavy soils—plant with drainage in mind

  • Deer- and rabbit-resistant

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.