Expert: Long Island Gardener - 7/9/2007

Question
I live in Memphis TN, and planted some Torch Lillies in my perennial garden this
spring.  It is now July 9th and very hot, but no torch lilly flowers.  The foliage is
at least 3 feet long, with no sign of buds or flower. Is it possible they will still
bloom later or do they need a full year in the ground before blooming.  My bee
balm and cardinal flowers are doing great though:) any help would be greatly
appreciated. Thanks

Answer
Torch Lily - 'Kniphofia' to botanists - is indeed hardy in your section of the country.  They're great for attracting hummingbirds, butterflies and moths and look stunning in the Garden.  And they're fairly easy to grow.

Yours should be blooming by now, I agree.  Unfortunately, these plants have finicky roots.  Failure to bloom usually has one of two causes:  (1) they are planted too deep, or (2) they are transplanted.

Make sure the rhizomes are not more than 3 inches below the soil surface.  Like Peonies, they will not set buds if set too deep.

Note also that these plants, while easy, don't like to be disturbed; it can take a full season for them to settle in before they're back on a full flowering schedule.

If you are fertilizing, try to pay more attention to the soil - incorporate (or in this case, topdress) with Bone Meal for the best blooms.  Drainage is important to protect the tuberous roots from Fungus rot.  And although a full sun location is recommended most of the time, a little afternoon shade will keep the flowers from fading.  Bear those points in mind if you plant additional Kniphofias, but I recommend that you keep the ones you have planted where they are for now.  Patience is needed here, my friend.  Thanks for writing.