Plant of the Month
Cuphea ignea - Cigar Plant
by Alice Marty
The cuphea plant family contains some of the best hummingbird-attracting plants you can grow. Cuphea ignea - pronounced "KOO-fee-ah ig-Nee-ah" - blooms spring through fall, covered with hundreds of red, firecracker shaped blooms.
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Originating in Mexico and perennial in zones 9 and above, this cuphea would still be a worthwhile plant in zones where it would be treated as an annual. It can be propagated by cuttings or seeds.
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Full sun is not a must. Partial sun will keep it blooming and its water needs are average. Cutting it back to the ground in the spring will allow it to grow into a neat slightly rounded shape. If the plant is getting too tall, it can be trimmed at any time. It can also be used as a container plant. Place Cuphea ignea where you can enjoy the hummingbird traffic.
Several hybrids can be found - all attract hummingbirds and other pollinators!
Timely information from the Alabama Extension (click to read more):