Cuphea ignea A.DC.

Common Names

Cuphea ignea A.DC., commonly known as the cigar plant, cigar flower, firecracker plant, or Mexican cigar, is sometimes also called the cigarette plant or cigarette bush.

Taxonomy

It is a species of flowering plant in the genus Cuphea, family Lythraceae.

Growth Form

It is a tropical, densely branched evergreen subshrub native to Mexico and the West Indies.

Flower Characteristics

This species produces small, tubular bright red to orange flowers. Each flower is tipped with a thin white rim and two small purple-black petals.

Etymology of Epithet

The flowers, which attract hummingbirds and butterflies, resemble lit cigars, giving the species its specific epithet ignea, Latin for "fiery".

Etymology of Genus

The genus name Cuphea derives from the Greek word kyphos, meaning curved or humped; this is thought to reference the shape of the plant's seeds.

Size and Foliage

Its leaves are small, elliptical, and bright green, and the plant grows to about 60 cm (24 in) tall.

Temperate Cultivation Requirements

In temperate climates, Cuphea ignea needs a warm, sheltered location because it cannot tolerate frost. It may alternatively be grown under glass or indoors as a houseplant.

Horticultural Award Status

In the United Kingdom, this plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, confirmed in 2017.

Hardiness Zones

In the United States, it is winter hardy to USDA zones 10 through 12.

Soil and Drought Tolerance

It is somewhat drought tolerant, but prefers well-watered, well-drained soils.