Is Kniphofia 'Lola' a grass?

No — a clumping Asphodelaceae perennial with torch flowers; it is grouped with grass palettes for height and texture contrast only.

What colour are Lola flower spikes?

Coral to orange torches on tall stems — verify cultivar tag at delivery; generic kniphofia mixes may differ.

How wide should Lola clumps be spaced?

Roughly 45–60 cm centre-to-centre for mature torches without crown rot from overcrowding.

Why do kniphofia crowns rot in monsoon?

Waterlogged clay — mound planting, gritty media, and deadheading keep crowns dry and flowering.

When do Lola torches bloom in India?

Late spring into summer on sun-grown clumps — shade delays or prevents strong colour.

Does Lola need import paperwork?

Usually domestic nursery stock; imported liners still need standard phytosanitary and quarantine steps (informational, not legal advice).

How should Lola BOQs be compared?

Match cultivar authenticity, mound drainage scope, and deadhead AMC — not fountain grass plug pricing.

Red hot poker Lola

Red hot poker 'Lola' (Kniphofia 'Lola')

Kniphofia 'Lola' is the coral-to-orange torch perennial designers use beside grasses for height contrast — not a true grass, but grouped in ornamental-grass palettes for its vertical flower spikes. It needs sharp drainage and deadheading to keep clumps tidy through Indian summer wet cycles.

Spec

At a glance

Botanical name: Kniphofia 'Lola' (cultivar)
Family: Asphodelaceae
Type: Clumping perennial (torch lily)
Origin: Hybrid — nursery selection
Mature height & spread: Foliage 40–60 cm; flower spikes to 90–110 cm
Plume / flower: Coral-orange torch spikes late spring–summer
Foliage colour: Strap-like grey-green leaves
Evergreen / deciduous / annual: Semi-evergreen — may die back in cold hill stations
Growth rate: Moderate clump expansion
Light: Full sun for best flower colour
Water: Moderate; rot in waterlogged monsoon pits
India climate suitability: Best in Pune, Bangalore, hill terraces with drainage; poor in heavy clay without amendment
Hardiness: Heat OK with drainage; protect from waterlogging
Invasiveness / containment: Low — clumping; not rhizome invasive
Typical supply: Pot clumps #3–#5 [Unverified]
Annual maintenance: Deadhead spent torches; divide crowded clumps every 3–4 years
Cautions: Needs drainage; spikes flop in shade; not a grass for mass erosion control

Gallery

Specimen visual guide

Visual context for placement, scale, handling, and landscape integration.

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Where it's used in premium projects

Lola torches punctuate grass matrices at boutique hotel entries and winery-style lawns — pair with muhly or ruby grass for colour layering. Specify as a perennial focal, not a screen plant.

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Climate & site suitability in India

Flowers fade in deep humid shade — give open morning sun. Monsoon waterlogging rots crowns; raise beds or use gritty mixes on terraces. Coastal salt is usually tolerable if drainage holds.

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Sourcing & acclimatisation

Verify cultivar label — 'Lola' colour should read coral-orange, not generic red-hot poker mixes. [Unverified: India nursery availability vs imported liners.]

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Installation (planting, containment, drainage)

Plant in amended gritty loam on mounds; crown at grade, not buried. Space 45–60 cm for mature torch display without overcrowding. Do not install in bottomless clay pits that hold monsoon water.

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Establishment & AMC

Remove spent spikes to encourage repeat bloom on vigorous clumps. Divide when centre dies out — AMC should flag hollow crowns after year four. Light feed after flowering, not heavy nitrogen that suppresses torches.

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