Kniphofia Bees Sunset

Bring bold colour and architectural interest to the summer garden with Kniphofia ‘Bees Sunset’, a striking Red Hot Poker that produces glowing spikes of warm sunset tones. Its tall flower stems rise above clumps of elegant, strap-like foliage, creating a dramatic display of colour that stands out beautifully in borders and naturalistic planting.

The vibrant blooms emerge in rich shades of golden yellow and warm orange, gradually deepening as they mature to create the glowing effect reminiscent of a summer sunset. Flowering through the warmer months, this eye-catching perennial provides both structure and long-lasting colour in the garden.

Loved by pollinators, Kniphofia ‘Bees Sunset’ is particularly attractive to bees and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its upright form works beautifully in mixed borders, prairie-style planting schemes and contemporary garden designs, where its vertical flower spikes provide contrast against softer planting.

Robust and easy to grow, this hardy perennial thrives in sunny positions with well-drained soil and once established will reward gardeners with impressive displays year after year. 

RHS Award of Garden Merit.

This plant/cultivar has been awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit because it has proved to be reliable in appropriate conditions and a good performing plant. 

Supplied from divisions

Planting Instructions

When to Plant:

Plant Kniphofia (Red Hot Poker) in spring or autumn when the soil is workable. Avoid planting during periods of hard frost or into waterlogged soil.

Where to Plant:
Choose a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil. Kniphofia thrives in warm, open positions and is ideal for mixed borders, prairie-style planting and wildlife-friendly gardens.

How to Plant:

• Depth: Plant so the crown sits just at soil level.
• Spacing: Space plants about 40–50 cm (16–20 inches) apart.
• Soil Prep: Improve soil with garden compost. In heavier soils, add grit or sharp sand to improve drainage.

Watering:
Water well after planting and keep the soil lightly moist while plants establish. Once established, Kniphofia is relatively drought tolerant but will benefit from watering during prolonged dry spells.

Aftercare Tips:

• Remove spent flower spikes to keep plants tidy and encourage further blooms.
• Leave foliage in place over winter to help protect the crown from cold.
• In colder areas, apply a mulch around the base in late autumn for winter protection.

Top Tip:
Kniphofia looks spectacular planted in small groups where its fiery flower spikes can rise above surrounding planting. It pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and other sun-loving perennials.

Plant Details

Flowering Period
June – September

Height
70–90 cm

Spread
40–50 cm

Position
Full sun

Hardiness
Hardy perennial (H4)