Red Hot Poker Torch Lily 'Fire Dance'

Torch lily ‘Fire Dance’ is a compact, clump-forming perennial with grey-green, grass-like foliage and upright summer flower spikes. Coral-red buds open to flowers blending pale green and yellow, bringing a changing display from summer into early autumn. ## Form and placement Plants typically reach about 18–23 inches tall and wide. Use this selection near the front of a sunny border, in a container, or in a small group where the flower spikes can rise above the foliage. The flowers are useful for cutting and attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The exact-cultivar profile lists USDA Zones 5–9; Chicago Botanic Garden also records successful Zone 4 performance, so winter drainage and local exposure matter at the colder edge. ## Growing conditions Give it full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid spots that stay wet through winter, when excess moisture can damage the crown. Once established, it tolerates dry spells, but water new plantings regularly while they root. Jelitto Seeds introduced ‘Fire Dance’ in 2006; the selection is noted for compact growth and improved hardiness among torch lilies. Sources: [Perennials.com cultivar profile](https://www.perennials.com/plants/kniphofia-hirsuta-fire-dance.html); [Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Finder](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/kniphofia-hirsuta-fire-dance-fire-dance-torchlily); [RHS cultivar profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/291154/kniphofia-hirsuta-fire-dance/details). ## Maintenance Remove spent flower stems after bloom and tidy old or damaged foliage in spring. Divide established clumps in late spring if they become crowded. In cold or wet-winter gardens, favor a free-draining site and keep excess moisture away from the crown.