Red Hot Poker 'Malibu Yellow'

Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:56pm — Kathy Ormiston

Photo Credit:

Kathy Ormiston, PADG

Botanical Name:

Kniphofia 'Malibu Yellow'

Pronunciation:

ny-FOE-fee-ah

Common Name:

Red Hot Poker 'Malibu Yellow'

Plant Type:

Perennial

Mature Size:

5 to 6 ft. tall

Water Requirements:

Low: water every 3 weeks until the root ball is wet

Sun/Shade Requirements:

Full to half sun

Flower Color :

Red, orange, yellow, near white

Wildlife:

Attracts hummingbirds

This plant is deer resistant

The glowing torch-like flowers of Kniphofia are reliable midsummer bloomers. From a design perspective the flower spikes of these plants provide great vertical accents. Many sizes and colors of Kniphofias have been developed, including reds, oranges, yellows, and near whites. 'Malibu Yellow' with its tall spikes and clear yellow flower color is one of our favorites because it is easy to mix with other colors. Some Kniphofias have orangish flowers that are harder to blend with other colors.

The Palo Alto Demonstration Garden has several other Kniphofias including "Christmas Cheer', which is a UC Davis "All-Star". It has brillant orange buds that open to a deep-gold tubular flower. Kniphofia 'Christmas Cheer' blooms in the fall and winter unlike many other Kniphofias.

We deadhead these plants because the old flower spikes are not that attractive. When the leaves start looking shabby in the winter, we cut back the foliage about three inches above the ground. Kniphofia will then come back beautifully in the spring. The plant divides easily when you want to spread it around, but it doesn't seem to need dividing to stay vigorous.