Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea)

Cigar Plant Plant Features

You don't have to have an active imagination to see how cuphea got its common name of cigar plant. This easy care tropical produces masses of orange tubular flowers with white tipped petals and stamens that make each bloom look a little like a lit cigar. Cigar plant is a tender perennial in frost-free regions, but in most parts of the country it's considered an annual. The plants grow 12 to 18 inches tall and work well in almost any type of container. Or, you use them in mass plantings for spectacular effect. Hummingbirds love this plant and will seek it out no matter where you plant it. Hardy from zones 9-11.

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Cigar Plant Growing Instructions

Cigar plants thrive when the weather is hot and humid so be sure to place them in a spot that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun a day. Feed with a slow release granular fertilizer at planting time. These plants have few insect or disease problems.

This plant not intended for human or animal consumption.

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Orange

    Red

  • Special Features

    Attracts hummingbirds

    Super-easy to grow

Complement your Cigar Plant

Passionflower
Pair a tropical vine such as passion flower with cigar plant and watch the sparks fly.

Mexican Heather
Another member of the cuphea family, Mexican heather makes a good companion for cigar plant.

Marigold
The bright orange flowers of cigar plant seem to ignite planted next to the bold yellow or orange flowers of marigolds.