Kniphofia (25 plants, bare root)
We have offered different varieties of Kniphofia over the years, mostly in plug form. This is the first fully ivory-white variety we have offered, and it was bred by our friends at Kolster. Buying bare-root is a great way to get larger, more productive plants right away. Plant in loose, well-draining soil in full sun for best results. Once established, Kniphofia are relatively drought tolerant and will send up unique, tropical-looking flowers from early summer through fall. Hardy down to zone 6, possibly 5. See our growing guide here.
These bare root divisions will be shipped in a bag in a dormant state, ready to start growing after transplant. If you need to delay planting, store them closed in the bags in a cooler. Sold in bags of 25 divisions.
Everything You Need to Know
Ordering
What are Bare Roots?
Where we Ship
We ship bare roots to the lower 48 states and Alaska via FedEx. (Sorry, Hawaii!)
When we Ship
All bare roots will ship in March 2027. Specific ship/delivery dates cannot be accommodated. You will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information as soon as your order has been packed. Clematis will be shipped separately from other bare roots.
Order Minimums
The minimum order is 4 total bundles of any variety.
Number of roots per bundle:
Hydrangea - 9 or 16 (see product description)
Clematis - 25
All other products - 10
Active Orders
Order Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation email from info@farmerbailey.com shortly after placing your order.
Substitutions and Shortages
In the unlikely event of a shortage, we will reach out to find a solution; be that a substitution, refund, or a combination thereof.
Cancellations + Order Changes
Order changes, including cancellations, are accepted until February 1, 2027. Farmer Bailey retains a 10% cancellation fee on all canceled orders and order items.
Shipping
Bare Roots will ship via FedEx in March 2027.
Pricing
4-6 bundles | $25
7-12 bundles | $50
13-18 bundles | $75
*Shipping to Alaska is $75 per box.
Damaged/Missing Items
Mold and minor damage
You may see a bit of mold on the roots, but this is normal. Simply wash it off and plant immediately. As a precaution you can treat the roots with a fungicide or biofungicide, but this isn't necessary. Small broken branches are also of little concern. Just prune off any broken bits and the plant will recover quickly. The root system is the important part at this stage.
Claims
To file a claim, email info@farmerbailey.com within 24 hours of receiving your order; include your 5-digit order number, photos and a description of the issue. Based on the assessment by our Claims Department, we'll issue any necessary refund(s) or replacements, when possible.
Our team may request that you plant the bare roots and report any non-viable plants by June 1st. Farmer Bailey will not accept any bare root claims after June 1st.
***Farmer Bailey is not liable for plants that do not thrive once planted if no claim was filed at the time of delivery.***
Growing Guides
Click here to access our comprehensive growing guides containing everything you need to know about this crop.
| Common Name | Kniphofia, Red Hot Pokers, Torch Lily, Poker Plant |
| Genus | Kniphofia |
| Species | hybrid |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Format | Perennial Plugs |
| Plug Care | Harden off and plant out or bump up into larger pots soon after receiving plugs. When planting out be sure you to not bury the crowns. Plant the plugs so that the top of the growing medium is level with the soil. |
| Netting / Staking | Not Necessary. |
| Temperature Range | Hardiness zones 6-9 (Possible survival in zone 4,5) |
| Spacing | 18-24" |
| Soil Preference | This plant is quite forgiving when it comes to soil structure and quality, but performs best in well draining soil of average fertility. They will not survive in soggy conditions or standing water. Once established it is fairly drought tolerant but should ideally be irrigated regularly, with the soil drying out moderately between waterings. Amend soil prior to planting with compost and granular fertilizer for best results. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral plants. Plant in full sun. Light afternoon shade is tolerated in hot climates. |
| Pinching | Do not pinch. |
| When to Plant | Spring is the best time to plant Kniphofia plugs as this will give them time to establish and bloom in the summer of the first year before going dormant at the end of fall. However they can be planted through summer and will establish before the winter weather sets in, with the first blooms coming the following season. |
| Harvesting | Harvest the inflorescence when the bottom 1/3 of the flowers are open. Buds will continue to open in the vase. Deadhead flowers that you don't plan to use as a cut - if the plant is left to set seed production will suffer. |
| Post Harvest Care | Cut stems should immediately be placed into cool water. Expect a vase life of approximately a week. Older flowers will die and be shed but buds continue to open after cutting. The use of a floral preservative will help maximize vase life. |
| Diseases / Insects | No major pests or diseases to note. |
| Bailey's Notes |
If you're looking to add something exotic to your landscape or floral creations, look no further than Kniphofia. These plants are quick growing and form substantial, grassy clumps with towering flower spikes that are irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies. These beauties can manage drought conditions but will be more floriferous with regular irrigation. In late fall in warm areas, tie the leaves into a canopy over the crown to prevent water from accumulating in the center of the plant over winter. The standing water can cause the crown to rot. In the spring cut the foliage back to 3" from the ground to clean up the plant and allow new foliage to emerge. In cold regions cut back the foliage in late fall instead. |
| Resources | Growing Kniphofia |