Red Hot Poker 'Mango Popsicle' is a compact Kniphofia cultivar in a South African perennial genus grown for its dense, torch-shaped flower clusters. This selection produces bicolored tubular flowers in mango-orange fading to pale yellow on stems to 24 inches, from late spring through midsummer. Its smaller stature suits mixed borders and container plantings where full-sized Kniphofia would be too large.
The plant forms a clump of arching, grass-like leaves that expands slowly over time. Sharp drainage is critical - crown rot in wet or clay soils, especially over winter, is the most common cause of plant loss. In zones 6 and 7, covering the crown with a dry mulch layer after the first hard frost reduces that risk considerably. Plants rarely need division for vigor, but dividing congested clumps in spring every five to six years restores flowering output.
The tubular flowers are reliable hummingbird forage throughout the bloom period. Once established, plants are drought tolerant and need minimal supplemental water in well-drained soil.
These dates are for Zone 6b. Enter your ZIP to time every job to your own frost dates.
- buy · Feb 13 - Feb 27Buy plants - about two months before planting out
- plant · Apr 24 - May 8Plant out once the soil has warmed, crown slightly proud of grade in free-draining soil
- cut · Any time in summerCut each spent spike at the base to keep the reblooming flushes coming
Problems & troubleshooting
Common problems
Crown Rot
Lower leaves yellow and wilt; the base of the rosette turns brown and soft, sometimes with white fungal threads at the soil line. Plants collapse in wet conditions.
Remove and destroy affected plants. Improve drainage and avoid overhead watering. Do not mulch directly against the crown. Space plants for airflow and avoid replanting in the same wet spot.
Root rot
Plants wilt, yellow, and stunt even in moist soil; lower stems and roots turn brown, soft, and mushy and the plant may collapse. Most common in heavy, wet, or poorly drained ground.
Improve drainage and stop overwatering, and never plant too deep. Lift and destroy badly affected plants along with the soil around the roots. Grow in raised or free-draining beds to prevent it returning.
Fungal leaf spot
Brown or purplish spots on the leaves, often ringed with a yellow halo, that spread and merge in warm, humid, or wet weather; heavily spotted leaves yellow and drop early.
Pick off spotted leaves and clear fallen debris to remove overwintering spores. Improve air circulation by thinning, and water at the base so foliage dries quickly. If it persists, apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide at the first sign.
Rust
Orange to brown raised pustules on the undersides of leaves, with yellow spotting on the upper surface. Heavy infections cause leaves to yellow and drop.
Remove and destroy infected leaves. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation. Apply a sulfur or copper-based fungicide if it spreads. Clear plant debris in fall.