Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers rich, humusy soils. Intolerant of wet, heavy soils. Locate in areas protected from wind. Promptly remove spent flower spikes. Crowns benefit from winter protection in USDA Zones 5 and 6 (mulch or tie leaves together forming a canopy over the crown so as to prevent water from settling on the crown and freezing). Established clumps are best left undisturbed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Kniphofia uvaria, commonly known as red-hot poker or torch lily, is an upright, clump-forming, rhizomatous perennial that is native to South Africa. From an 18-24" tall basal tuft of coarse, linear, sword-shaped, semi-evergreen, bluish-green leaves (to 3' long and 1" wide) arises a succession of thick, naked flower scapes (typically to 3-4' tall) with dense terminal racemes (6-10" long) of drooping, tubular flowers. Buds and emerging flowers are red but mature to yellow, giving each spike a two-toned appearance. Flowers bloom from late spring to early summer.
Common names refer to the purported resemblance of each flower spike to a red hot poker or torch.
Genus name honors Johann Hieronymus Kniphof (1704-1763) German physician and botanist.
Specific epithet means like a bunch of grapes.
'Echo Mango' is a repeat blooming cultivar that features showy spikes (scapose racemes) of drooping, tubular, orange-yellow flowers (apricot or mango) which bloom in May with a repeat bloom to late summer atop upright naked stems (no support needed) rising in succession to 40" tall from a basal clump of linear, grass-like leaves. Cultivar name is in reference to the repeat bloom (echo) and flower color (mango). U.S. Plant Patent PP21,706 was issued on February 8, 2011.
Problems
No significant insect or disease problems. Watch for root rot in poorly-drained soils. Thrips may appear in some areas.
Uses
Specimen, small groups or mass in the perennial border. Great for small garden spaces.