Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000818
11/12/99
Kniphofia uvaria--Torch Lily
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 10
Height: 4 ft Spread: 2 ft
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Red, orange, yellow
Comments: Torch Lily needs adequate room and produces
spikes of brightly colored flowers (Vis. 1). Remove the
fading flower spikes to encourage additional bloom. Do not
plant the Torch Lily deeper than 3 inches. The plants need
a sunny location as they are intolerant of shade. Provide a
well-drained soil and abundant water during hot weather.
The plant is not reliably hardy so needs winter protection.
The foliage is evergreen and any dead foliage can be cut off
in the spring. A possible method of overwintering is to tie
the leaves so that they cover and protect the crown of the
plant. Some gardeners dig the plants each fall and store
them over the winter in a cold frame or cellar. Kniphofia
makes an excellent cut flower.
Propagation: Seed or division are the methods of
propagation. The seed germinates in 10 to 20 days at 70
to 75 degrees. Division is done in the spring. Dividing
may reduce blooming for one to three years. The divisions
may be potted up until they are growing well.
Cultivars:
'Early Hybrids' - Red and orange flowers in June and
July.
'Little maid' - Plants 24 inches tall produce flowers
that open yellow then fade to yellowish-white.
'Pfitzeri' - Orange flower in spikes on 2-foot long
stems.
'Primrose Beauty' - Primrose yellow flowers are
produced on stems 30 inches tall.
'Shining Scepter' - Florets at the top of the spikes
are pale orange shading to yellow at the bottom.
'Springtime' - The florets at the top of the spike are
red, those on the bottom are white. The stalks are
30 inches tall.
References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Wayside
Gardens 1996, Monrovia Nursery Company 1997, White Flower
Farm 1999, Berryhill Nurseries 1999, Scarff's Nursery 1999.
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to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
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This file was generated from data base ZZ on 01/19/00.
Data base ZZ was last revised on 11/12/99.
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