Cuphea ignea
cigar flower
A spreading evergreen sub-shrub to 40cm in height, with lance-shaped leaves and tubular scarlet flowers, black at the tip and edged white
Other common names
cigar plantfirecracker plant
see moreMexican cigar flower
red-white-and-blue flower
vegetable firecracker
Synonyms
Cuphea platycentra
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black Red White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black Red White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Black Red White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Cuphea can be annuals, perennials or evergreen shrubs, often with sticky hairs, opposite, simple leaves and tubular flowers with a showy calyx and small petals
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Mexico, Jamaica
How to grow
Cultivation
Best grown in well-drained soil in a sheltered site in sun or partial shade but shade from hot sun. Alternatively grow in a pot under glass or as a houseplant
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 10 in spring if needed
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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