Alphabetical Plant Listing

Cuphea ignea (Cigar Flower)

Cigar Flower, Cigar Plant, Firecracker Plant, Mexican Cigar Flower, Red-White-And-Blue Flower, Vegetable Firecracker, Cuphea platycentra


Noted for its profuse floral display, Cuphea ignea (Cigar Flower) is a spreading evergreen sub-shrub boasting a profusion of cigar-shaped, fiery reddish-orange flowers adorned with black tips and white edges. Blooming from late spring to the first frosts, the blossoms are rich in nectar and attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Blooming freely all season, this Cuphea has a densely branched, bushy, rounded habit and a pretty foliage of lance-shaped, pointed, dark green leaves. Easy to grow, disease resistant, Cigar Flower is a terrific addition to sunny garden beds and containers where it creates a dazzling display through the summer. No wonder this tropical sub-shrub has gained fast popularity.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 18-30 in. tall and wide (45-75 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun in medium moisture, well-drained soils. Appreciates some part shade in hot summer areas. Somewhat drought tolerant, but performs best with regular moisture.
  • Prune immediately after flowering if needed.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Propagate by seed.
  • Native to Mexico, Jamaica.

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Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 12
Heat Zones 6 – 11
Climate Zones 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Cuphea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 30" (45cm – 75cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

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By TTONN, Danita Delimont, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 12
Heat Zones 6 – 11
Climate Zones 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Cuphea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spread 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm)
Spacing 18" – 30" (45cm – 75cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage

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