Step 2: Water red hot pokers only when the soil is dry to avoid root rot.īe sure to sanitize your scissors or shears before and after cutting the roots to avoid spreading bacteria. This is especially likely during winter, when the stalks are dry and dormant. The wind can bend or even break the tall stalks of red hot pokers.

Smaller, fewer, or less vibrant flowers due to too much shadeįollow these steps to treat and avoid these problems:.

Here are the most common problems red hot pokers face: While snails and slugs can occasionally bother red hot pokers, they rarely cause severe damage.

Red hot pokers are hardy and typically have few problems, but there are a few that can develop. Image used with permission by copyright holder Common problems and solutions Cutting the leaves helps protect the plant from cold damage, especially during harsher winters. Cutting the plant to the ground can be intimidating, but red hot pokers will regrow. Tying the leaves up insulates the interior of the plant, which may be enough during mild winters. Step 4: Protect red hot pokers in winter by either tying the leaves up around any remaining stems or cutting them to ground level. You can use these flower stalks as part of a dried flower arrangement. Step 3: Remove dead flower stalks in winter to reduce cold damage. However, if they are in poor soil or have been growing in the same area for a long time without fertilizer, then feeding your plant may improve their overall health. If you recently planted your red hot pokers, this may not be necessary. Step 2: Feed red hot pokers with a fertilizer that's natural and contains organic matter, such as compost or leaf mulch. However, they don't tolerate wet feet or standing water, so don't water them if the soil is still damp. Red hot pokers are drought tolerant and require little supplemental watering. Step 1: Water red hot pokers during hot, dry weather.

Image used with permission by copyright holder Caring for red hot pokersįollow these steps for proper red hot poker care: Smaller varieties like 'Little Maid' can be placed closer together, while larger ones such as 'Royal Standard' will need more room.

They take up a lot of space, so be careful not to crowd them. Most varieties grow to be 2 to 4 feet tall and between 1 and 3 feet wide. Step 3: Space your red hot pokers a few feet apart. Cordyline care: How to make your cordyline plants thrive and bring the tropics indoorsĥ November garden plants you should consider growingĨ beautiful, fall-blooming perennials to add to your garden

Photo red hot poker flower