Why Does One Poker Plant Bloom And The Plant Next To The Bloomer Doesn’t?

Question

I live in SW Idaho. I planted 4 plants spring of 2023. They all bloomed last year (their 1st year). I pruned in fall. Only 1 plant is blooming this year. The others look fabulous but just don’t bloom. I use miracle grow fertilizer, following the directions on the box. 2 are orange and yellow and 2 are yellow to cream. Does it Matter? Evan though have a sprinkling system, I don’t let them bake in the heat. They get full sun from 10-11 until sunset. What am I doing wrong?

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Answer 1

I am wondering if it is too much fertilizer. They are low maintenance plants and I cannot find one article that says to fertilize them. If you fertilize in spring, do not fertilize again till the next year. Also, when watering, water deeply, but less often. Here is more on their care:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/red-hot-poker/red-hot-poker-plant-trimming.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/red-hot-poker/growing-red-hot-torch-lilies.htm

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/kniphofia/common-name/red-hot-poker/