Pruning Red Hot Pokers – how to do it right
Red hot pokers (Kniphofia) are not only easy to care for, they are also a real eye-catcher in the garden. Pruning them correctly is essential to keep them in full bloom year after year. Here you will learn when and how to prune your red-hot pokers – and what to look out for.
Cutting off the faded flowers of torch lilies
During the flowering season you should regularly cut off the faded flower stems of the torch lily. Why should you do this? When the plant is producing seeds, it puts a lot of energy into ripening the seeds – and has less energy to produce new flowers the following year.
Here is what to do: Cut the dead stems as low as possible. This will encourage a long flowering period and ensure that the plant uses its energy for new flowers.
Should you cut back perennials in autumn?
Many perennials are pruned back in the autumn – but not the torch lily! Its foliage acts as a natural winter cover. The main problem is not the cold, but the moisture. If water gets to the roots and does not drain away properly, the plant can rot.
Winter tip: Tie the leaves of the torch lily together at the top in autumn. This will help rain and snow run off to the side and keep the root ball dry. An additional covering of leaves or twigs will also protect against excessive moisture.
Pruning torch lilies in spring
The actual pruning takes place in spring. As soon as there is no risk of another hard frost, the leaves of the torch lily can be cut about a hand’s breadth above the ground. This will encourage the plant to sprout vigorously and produce new flower stems.
Special care tips for vigorous torch lilies
To keep your torch lilies healthy and flowering, follow these care tips:
- Topdressing: After pruning in the spring, the plant will benefit from a little compost as a natural fertiliser.
- Avoid nitrogenous fertilisers: Too much nitrogen leads to lush leaf growth but fewer flowers. Instead, use organic fertiliser with a balanced nutrient mix.
With these tips, your Flag Iris will stay alive and bring bright flowers to your border year after year! 🌿🔥
