Kniphofia 'ROYAL CASTLE' torch lily, red hot poker
size/type
mid-sized perennial,mid-sized perennial
usual height
0,6-0,8m
usual width
0,3-0,5m
leaves
semi-deciduous broadleaf
colour of leaves
flowers
showy
colour of flowers
blooming time
June-August
location
full sun
soil type
any (acidic to alkaline)
soil moisture requirements
evenly moist but well-drained
USDA zone (lowest)
5b (down to -27°C)
winter protection
for zone 5+6
for zone 7
categorized
Description of the plant:
Royal Castle torch lily comes from a strain of seeds formerly called Royal Castle Hybrids. They showed some colour variations which were not always welcome by the gardeners. That’s why growers selected the most popular colour combination and offer it as a sole variety without further surprises, named simply Royal Castle. It produces 70-80 cm tall, sturdy stems topped with 10-15 cm long inflorescence composed of small, tubular flowers. They are lemon yellow at the bottom and scarlet red at the top. In fact, red flowers usually occupy up to two thirds of the inflorescence and the boundary between yellow and red is rather sharp which considerably increases flowers’ dynamics. They appear from June and new flower buds continue pushing up until August on strong and well-established plants.
The leaves are 2-3 cm wide, medium green, and almost upright unlike those on k. caulescens which is a very similar species and Royal Castle may easily be confused for. In warm climates they are evergreen, and in areas on the border of its hardiness they benefit from tying up before winter, to form a canopy over the crown protecting it from excess moisture and deep frost. Release them again in spring and cut back all bad or unsightly leaves leaving about 10 cm above the ground.
Torch lily is perfect for modern and exotic landscapes and will also fit in mixed perennial borders where its vertical habit will beautifully contrast with other arching or mound forming plants. It is not ideal for growing in pots - first due to the roots, and secondly it is not very aesthetical.
Grow it in full sun only, in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Fertilizing is beneficial from early summer. This variety is hardy to about -27 °C if mulched, protecting the clump with a layer of fir branches is recommended for zone 6 winters. Tie up the clump before winter in order to prevent the crown from excessive moisture. Protect newly emerging stems with flower buds against slugs.
Last update 16-10-2023
