Kniphofia 'Royal Castle'

Description and Characteristics

Kniphofia ‘Royal Castle’ is a bold and reliable clump-forming perennial, belonging to the popular red hot poker group known for their tall, torch-like flower spikes. This particular cultivar showcases dense spikes of rich, warm-toned flowers in shades of red, orange, and golden yellow, fading from top to bottom in a striking gradient.

Flowering from midsummer to early autumn (typically July to September), ‘Royal Castle’ stands out for its upright habit, strong flowering performance, and excellent garden versatility. Each bloom is made up of numerous tubular flowers, highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbird-like pollinators.

The plant grows to an approximate height of 90–120 cm with a spread of 45–60 cm, making it ideal for middle to back-of-border placements, as well as gravel gardens, mixed perennial beds, and wildlife gardens.

• Flower spikes in red to golden tones, fading from top to base

• Height: 90–120 cm; Spread: 45–60 cm

• Flowering period: July to September

• Upright, clump-forming perennial with strappy green leaves

• Ideal for sunny borders, modern prairie planting, and cut flower gardens

• Highly attractive to pollinators

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Kniphofia ‘Royal Castle’ thrives in sunny, free-draining conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. It benefits from occasional feeding and deadheading to prolong blooming.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)

  • Flowering and stem strength are reduced in shade

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils

  • Tolerates poor soil, provided it is not waterlogged

  • Avoid heavy clay unless amended with grit

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly in the first growing season

  • After establishment, it is moderately drought-tolerant

  • Avoid overhead watering to reduce crown rot risk

• Feeding:

  • Feed in early spring with a general-purpose fertiliser

  • Apply a high-potash fertiliser during bloom to support flowering

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Remove spent flower spikes to encourage continued blooming

  • Cut back foliage in late autumn or early spring

  • Tidy away any dead or damaged leaves to maintain shape

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H4); mulch crown in colder regions

  • In wet climates, ensure drainage or plant on a mound

  • Container-grown plants should be overwintered in a sheltered or frost-free spot

• Division and Replanting:

  • Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring or after flowering

  • Helps rejuvenate growth and improve flowering

Garden Use, Companions, and Pollinator Value

‘Royal Castle’ adds height, heat, and seasonal drama to garden designs. Its torch-like blooms are excellent for introducing strong vertical lines and complement both traditional and contemporary planting styles.

• Design Applications:

  • Suitable for sunny mixed borders, Mediterranean-style gardens, and wildlife-friendly beds

  • A bold feature in mass plantings or repetition along pathways

  • Great for cut flower gardens and prairie-style layouts

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with echinacea, rudbeckia, salvia, gaura, agapanthus, and ornamental grasses

  • Contrasts beautifully with cooler-toned perennials such as Perovskia, Nepeta, or Veronica

  • Works well with structural evergreens or silver-leaf plants like Stachys or Artemisia

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Rich in nectar and pollen—loved by bees, butterflies, and hoverflies

  • Flowers are particularly valuable in late summer when other nectar sources are declining

  • Adds ecological value to pollinator pathways and low-maintenance wildlife gardens

• Cut Flower Use:

  • Tall, vivid spikes make excellent vertical elements in summer arrangements

  • Harvest when half the florets are open

  • Long-lasting in water, especially when conditioned with floral preservative

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally resistant to pests and diseases

  • Deer and rabbit resistant

  • Avoid waterlogging to prevent crown or root rot

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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.