Regal Torchlily
Kniphofia caulescens
Regal Torchlily (Kniphofia caulescens) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Hummingbird magnet; silvery-blue strappy foliage holds through winter.
Plant Select®low to medium water24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Tubifex, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
- Photo 2: (c) Shaun Swanepoel, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) Shaun Swanepoel, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late summer, early fall
- Bloom color
- orange, red, yellow
- Bloom length
- 2–3 weeks
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Planting & establishment
Deep water every 1–2 weeks during establishment (first growing season), then water sparingly per Plant Select guidance.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Regal Torchlily good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Regal Torchlily is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Regal Torchlily get?
- It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Regal Torchlily?
- Space Regal Torchlily about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Regal Torchlily hardy on the Front Range?
- Regal Torchlily is hardy in USDA 5–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Regal Torchlily need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Regal Torchlily native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Regal Torchlily deer-resistant?
- Regal Torchlily is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does Regal Torchlily bloom?
- Regal Torchlily blooms for about two to three weeks on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
