The common name is derived from the shape and colour of its inflorescence. The flowers are red, orange, and yellow. The leaves are long and v-shaped in section.  It is densely tufted and can reach up to 2m in height. 

Many hybrids and cultivars are grown in gardens, and identifying them is difficult and may be impossible where hybridisation has taken place.  Plants can be very persistent in the wild once thrown out of gardens.  Greater Red-hot poker is a hybrid (Kniphofia x praecox) and probably the most frequently encountered; it is larger than the species Red-hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria) and has prominently sticking out (exserted) stamens.  K uvaria is smaller, and the stamens are enclosed in the flowers, or only just sticking out. Other species or hybrids may be present.

Usually found as an escape from cultivation and often close to habitation.

There are many varieties and hybrids, and they bloom at different times during the summer.

Perennial.

It is widespread as an escape from cultivation, with scattered records from across much of Britain.

Occasionally recorded as a naturalised plant in Leicestershire and Rutland.