Red-hot Poker Papaya Popsicle

A new cultivar of red-hot poker grown for its compact size, early, long flowering and brilliant colour, Kniphofia Papaya Popsicle is a clump-forming, semi-evergreen to evergreen perennial with arching, sword-like, deep green leaves. The ‘poker’ flower-heads, borne from early summer into autumn on tall, sturdy stems, are an intense orange, turning yellow up the head as the florets age. Red-hot poker Papaya Popsicle is ideal for the smaller garden and for gravel plantings in coastal areas. In colder areas, protect the crown with a winter mulch.

Site: Tolerates exposure, including coastal exposure
Soil: Humus-rich, light, well-drained, slightly acid to neutral soil
Position: Best in full sun
Season of interest: Early summer to autumn
Hardiness: Fairly hardy
Height: 18” (45cm) Spread: 20” (50cm)

To plant the Kniphofia Papaya Popsicle, choose a spot in full sun with humus-rich, light, well-drained soil that’s slightly acid to neutral. It can handle exposure, including coastal exposure. In early summer, you’ll start to see its beautiful orange flower-heads on tall, sturdy stems. These flower-heads turn yellow as the florets age, providing a long-lasting display until autumn. It’s great for smaller gardens and coastal gravel plantings. If you’re in a colder area, cover the crown with a winter mulch to protect it. Keep an eye on the soil moisture and make sure it doesn’t get waterlogged.