Pyromania Solar Flare Red Hot Poker

Pyromania® ‘Solar Flare’ is a red hot poker with upright, grass-like foliage and bright yellow flower spikes. The blooms begin in early summer and repeat into early fall, holding a consistent sunny color through the display. ## Form and placement This cultivar grows about 3–3½ feet tall and 2–2½ feet wide. The upright flower stems add height in a sunny border or serve as a focal point among lower perennials. The flowers also work well for cutting and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. ‘Solar Flare’ is listed for USDA Zones 5b–9 and may need winter protection near the colder edge. ## Growing conditions Plant it in full sun and well-drained soil. Kniphofia tolerates dry conditions once established, but appreciates a good supply of water while flowering. Allow the soil to drain freely, especially in winter; in colder gardens, protect the crown from standing water and freezing. The Proven Winners profile describes the flowers as reblooming and the plant as deer and rabbit resistant. The cultivar is botanically classified as *Kniphofia hybrida* and was patented as ‘Solar Flare’ (PP 32,073, issued August 11, 2020). Walters Gardens is the patent assignee and its exact cultivar page documents the selection. Sources: [Proven Winners plant profile](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/kniphofia/pyromania-solar-flare-red-hot-poker-kniphofia-hybrid); [Walters Gardens exact cultivar page](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=KNISF); [Patent record](https://patents.justia.com/patent/PP32073). ## Maintenance Trim old leaf tips in spring to encourage fresh growth. In Zones 5b–6, use a loose winter mulch or keep foliage tied over the crown to limit water settling around it. Remove spent flower stems to keep the planting tidy.