Plant: Cuphea ignea
Random fun fact:
- The meaning of ignea in Latin is ‘glowing’ or ‘on fire’. Of course referring to the flowers, which really do look like burning cigars!
The Specs:
Family: Lythraceae (Loosestrife Family)
Genus: Cuphea
Species: ignea
Common Name: Cigar flower, fire-cracker plant, cigar plant
Region of Origin/Nativity: Mexico
Characteristics: Is a mounding and spreading annual with a tight form. Usually stops growing around 1-1/2 feet high, but at the end of the season can be leggy and even taller than that. Leaves are glossy, 2 to 3 inches long, opposite and oblong. The flower doesn’t have any petals; the calyx tube is bright orange-red, has a small spur at the base, a dark purplish ring and a white tip. The species is red, but there are cultivars of pinks and purples and whites.
Life Span: Tropical shrub. Grown as an annual in the Northeast U.S.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 10-11
Cultivation requirements: It likes hot and humid weather (it IS tropical!). Full sun is best although it will tolerate some light shade. Any sort of garden soil is preferred, best if it’s high in organic matter.
Typical Pests, Diseases, associated problems: Depending on the weather conditions of the season, diseases such as leaf spot, blight, root rot, and powdery mildew can be common problems. White fly is also an insect you’ll typically run into problems with.
Propagation Method: Plant seeds after there is any danger of a frost. They are easily rooted from cuttings, but seeds are typically the common propagation method as the plant is treated as an annual.
