Coppertips
Quick Care Guide
Prune: Remove spent flower stalks and trim foliage in late fall
Sunlight: Prefers full sun, tolerates partial shade
Water: Weekly; more frequent in extreme heat
Fertilize: Feed lightly in spring with balanced fertilizer
Leaves: Sword-shaped green leaves
Flowers: Fiery orange-red blooms in summer
Pruning
Coppertips benefit from light pruning after flowering. Once the blooms have faded, cut back the flower stalks to encourage the plant to focus energy on storing nutrients for next season. Allow the foliage to remain until it yellows and dies back naturally, then cut it down to the ground in late fall or early winter. Avoid cutting back green leaves, as they help fuel the plant’s growth.
Watering
Coppertips prefer consistently moist soil, especially during active growth and bloom periods. Water deeply once a week, or more often during particularly hot or dry spells. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent soggy roots and rot. Mulching can help retain moisture.
Leaves
Coppertips produce long, narrow, sword-like leaves that form a fan-shaped clump. The foliage adds architectural interest and texture to the garden even when not in bloom.
Sunlight
Coppertips thrive in full sun and bloom best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. They can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but too much shade may reduce flowering.
Fertilization
Apply a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) in early spring as growth resumes. A second light feeding in early summer can boost blooming. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage with fewer flowers.
Flowers
Coppertips are known for their vivid, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of orange, red, or yellow, often with a fiery gradient effect. Flowers bloom in succession along arching stems during summer, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. They make excellent cut flowers.