Will Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) regenerate from roots left in the ground?

Nell Gardening in Wales · September 2022

This Red Hot Poker has got a bit out of control so I am removing it want to replace with a much more refined Kniphofia "Mango Popsicle"

I have 2 questions:-

1) How likely are roots of the original Red Hot Poker to sprout new plants? In other words how careful do I have to be in removing roots from the ground? I have removed all the tubers and most of the fresh new roots, but there are still lots of older roots.

2) Is there likely to be any problem planting a new Kniphofia in the same place? The plants I have just removed are very healthy.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/6030279/uploads/editor/4s/wdyp3fprz91t.jpg

GardenerSuze · September 2022

If you can see old roots there will always be a chance of regrowth. With rain in the forecast I would just try to clear more if it were me. That way new plants get the best start.
There are various K Popsicles available, in my experience they are not a big improvement when it comes to flowering despite what the growers say. I would spend time adding compost grit if you have it to help with drainage in the winter months. I don't think they suffer from replant disease but I could be wrong.

bédé · September 2022

I have seen (very quick google) no reference to Kniphofias propagated from root cuttings. So you might be safe from regrowth.

If you plant in a cleared area, any regrowth from outside that area could be dealt with as and when.

I know exactly what you mean. I have Acanthus plants that I have moved and then got new growth in the original spot. No problem as I wanted to increase.

Will Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) regenerate from roots left in the ground?

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