Red hot pokers, also known as torch lilies or kniphofia, are popular perennial plants known for their showy, poker-shaped flower heads that bloom in the summer. As fall approaches, a common question that arises is whether or not to cut back the faded flower stalks. The simple answer is yes, cutting back red hot pokers in the fall is recommended.
Trimming the old foliage helps improve the plant’s appearance, encourages new growth, and can help protect the plant over winter. Below we will go into more detail on when and how to cut back red hot pokers in fall.
When to Trim Red Hot Pokers
The best time to cut back red hot pokers is after the flowers have faded in late summer or fall. This is usually anywhere from late August through October depending on your climate and when the plant finishes blooming.
You’ll know it’s time when the colorful flower spikes turn brown and dry out. The goal is to remove the dead growth just before new foliage emerges in the spring. Cutting back too early while the plant is still actively growing can remove healthy parts of the plant.
Fall Cleanup Timeframe
Here are some general guidelines for when to cut back red hot pokers in different growing zones:
Growing Zone | Fall Cleanup Timeframe |
---|---|
Zones 2-5 | Late September to Mid October |
Zones 6-9 | Mid October to Early November |
Zones 10-11 | November to December |
The exact timing will vary depending on your local climate and first frost dates. Plan to trim back red hot pokers once the foliage has died back after several hard frosts.
How to Cut Back Red Hot Pokers
Cutting back red hot pokers in fall helps improve their appearance and growth for next year. Here is a simple step-by-step process:
Tools Needed
- Gardening shears or sharp scissors
- Gardening gloves
Instructions
- Wait until the flowers have faded completely and the foliage starts to brown and die back.
- Put on gardening gloves for protection.
- Use gardening shears or scissors to cut back the old flower stalks down to the base of the plant. Remove spent flowers and dead foliage.
- Cut just above where new growth is emerging from the ground.
- Remove any diseased or damaged stems as well to improve plant health.
- Discard the cuttings or add to a compost pile.
The foliage of red hot pokers dies back each year, so don’t be alarmed if all the leaves disappear after trimming. The plant crowns will remain alive underground and regrow next spring.
How Much to Cut Back
As a general rule, cut back the flower stalks to about 2-3 inches above the ground. Removing too much foliage can damage the plant crown.
Leave any basal foliage near the ground that still looks healthy and green. But take off all the dead, dry foliage on the tall stems.
Why Cut Back Red Hot Pokers
Here are some of the key reasons for cutting back red hot poker plants in fall:
Improves Appearance
The dead flower spikes can be unsightly left on the plant through the winter. Trimming them off leaves you with a clean, fresh look going into spring.
Removes Dead Growth
Getting rid of spent flowers and foliage focuses the plant’s energy on new growth next season rather than wasting energy on dying vegetation.
Prevents Reseeding
Some red hot poker varieties tend to self-seed. Cutting off the old flowers prevents unwanted reseeding around the garden.
Makes Room for New Growth
Removing old foliage allows space for newer, healthier foliage to grow back at the start of spring.
Improves Air Circulation
Thinning congested plants by cutting back dead stems allows better air circulation through the plant which reduces foliar diseases.
Protects Crowns in Winter
Leaving tall dead foliage over winter can increase risk of crown rot or physical damage to the plant crowns during freeze and thaw cycles.
Keeps Plants Manageable
Cutting back tall flower spikes keeps red hot poker plants at a reasonable size going into winter and next year’s growth cycle.
Makes Spring Cleanup Easier
Getting a head start on cutting back dead growth in fall means less maintenance work to do in the spring landscape.
Conclusion
Fall is an ideal time to trim back faded flower spikes on red hot poker plants. Cutting them back improves their appearance, removes dead growth, and allows the plants to start fresh next season.
Aim to cut back the old flower stalks any time between late summer through fall once the blooms have dried out completely. Leave the lower foliage in place and remove just the tall, dead stems down to about 2-3 inches above soil level.
Regular deadheading and cutting back spent flower spikes is an important part of caring for red hot pokers. It encourages repeat blooming and keeps the plants looking their best in your landscape for years to come.