Kniphofia (Red hot poker, Torch lily, Poker plant) is a genus of plants in the family Asphodelaceae that includes 70 or more species native to Africa. Some species have been commercially used for horticultural use and are commonly known for their bright, rocket-shaped flowers. These plants produce spikes of brightly-coloured, hanging, red-to-orange flowers. This gives names such as “torch” and “red hot poker” to many of them.

Kniphofia thodei is a small, single-stemmed plant known as a poker. Its leaves are pale bluish-green (glaucous), initially upright and later curving downwards (recurved). The leaves are narrow, measuring 2–5 mm wide and 300–400 mm long, soft and fibrous at the base, with finely toothed edges, especially towards the tip, becoming almost smooth. The flower stalk (peduncle) is 300–500 mm long and rises above the leaves. It carries a dense, ovoid inflorescence about 40–60 mm long and 40–50 mm wide, transitioning from a coral red or reddish-orange tip to a yellowish-white base. The flowers are drooping, with red buds often having a white tip, and the flowers themselves are white, tinged with red towards the base. This plant blooms from early summer to early autumn (November to March), with the peak flowering period in midsummer (January).

Native to the Drakensberg Mountains, Kniphofia thodei is found in Lesotho and South Africa, particularly in the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. It grows in moist mountain grasslands at altitudes between 1,600 and 2,800 meters, thriving in both sunny and shaded spots with sandy clay soil. This species provides nectar and pollen for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds, attracting them with its vibrant flowers.

Primarily grown as an ornamental plant, Kniphofia thodei is valued for its striking spikes of reddish-orange and white flowers, which add colour and interest to garden beds, borders, and mixed plantings. Gardeners appreciate its ability to attract pollinators. As a native plant of South Africa, it holds cultural significance in the regions where it naturally grows, symbolizing resilience, endurance, and vitality due to its ability to flourish in tough conditions.

Kniphofia thodei grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It requires moderate watering during its growing season but can tolerate drought once established. The plant is generally frost-hardy, although it may need protection in colder climates. It grows moderately fast and may need occasional pruning to remove spent flower spikes and maintain neat growth. To encourage continuous blooming, it’s helpful to deadhead faded flowers regularly. Applying organic compost as mulch will nourish the plant and enhance soil structure. Kniphofia thodei is also well-suited for container gardening.