Cuphea ignea 'David Verity'

GIANT CIGAR PLANT
syn. C. platycentra
Family: Lythraceae
Pronounced: KEW-fee-ah IG-nee-ah

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Growing Guide
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GROWING GUIDE

Geographic Origin:
Garden.
Plant Group:
Subshrub.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 11-13, 16-24, H1, H2. All other zones treat as an annual.
USDA zones: 10-11.
Heat zones: 12-6.
Mature size:
Height: 12-30 inches (30-75 cm).
Width: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm).
Flowering period:
Late spring to autumn.
Flowering attributes:
Tubular, ¾ inch long, bright orange-red flowers, with white tips.
Leaf attributes:
Narrow, lance-shaped, glossy green leaves.
Growth habit:
Spreading.
Light:
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil:
Fertile, well-drained soil.
Feeding:
In containers, feed regularly with a complete organic fertilizer.
Propagation Methods:
Divide in late spring.
Root softwood cuttings in late spring.

 

 

In our Pacific Northwest climate, these subshrubs are not hardy. This cuphea has a long flowering time, so it makes a great summer to fall container plant, by itself or in combination with other plants. The foliage is evergreen, thus overwintering it in the greenhouse means you can still enjoy the leaves while you protect it from the cold.

The flowers from the cigar plant are often used for elegant and masculine leis in Hawaii. They are one of the more expensive leis to purchase.

Photographed in author's garden.

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Photographed in author's garden.