Botanical Name: Kniphofia uvaria ‘Papaya Popsicle’ Common Name: Red Hot Poker, Torch Lily Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Most Climates (USDA Zones 6–9) Size: 16–20" Tall × 16–20" Spread Growth Habit: Compact, Upright, Clumping Habit Sunlight: Full Sun (Best Flowering) Soil: Well-Drained Soil; Tolerates Lean or Sandy Soils Water Needs: Low to Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established Bloom Season: Late Spring through Summer Fertilizer: Minimal; Avoid Excess Nitrogen Features: Warm Papaya-Orange Flower Spikes, Compact Size, Excellent Heat Tolerance, Hummingbird Friendly Uses: Borders, Containers, Pollinator Gardens, Mass Plantings, Accent Plantings

Patent: ✔ Patented Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

See our complete Kniphofia Growth & Care Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Kniphofia ‘Papaya Popsicle’

Kniphofia ‘Papaya Popsicle’ delivers soft, tropical papaya-orange flower spikes on a compact, garden-friendly plant. The blooms rise above tidy clumps of grassy foliage, adding vertical interest without overwhelming surrounding plants.

As part of the Popsicle series, this variety was bred for controlled size, improved rebloom, and better performance in modern landscapes. It provides the bold color and wildlife appeal of traditional red hot pokers in a much more manageable form.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Papaya Popsicle’ has been exceptionally reliable in full sun with excellent drainage. It maintains a neat, upright habit, resists flopping, and continues blooming through summer heat with minimal care.

We especially appreciate how easy it is to use. The warm papaya tones pair beautifully with yellows, reds, ornamental grasses, and salvias, and the compact size makes it well suited for containers and smaller garden beds. Hummingbirds are frequent visitors.

Papaya Popsicle vs. Other Kniphofia

Papaya Popsicle offers a much smaller footprint compared to larger varieties like Flamenco Mix Kniphofia, making it ideal for tighter spaces and container use. When compared to other Popsicle™ series colors such as Mango Popsicle, this selection provides a slightly softer, warmer orange tone that blends easily into mixed plantings. For gardeners seeking a heat-loving, compact red hot poker with strong pollinator appeal, Kniphofia ‘Papaya Popsicle’ is an excellent choice.