The Cigar Flower That's Smoking Hot!

Meet the Cuphea ignea, a fiery spectacle also known as the Cigar Flower. This vibrant plant is a showstopper, boasting scarlet flowers that are a magnet for nectar-feeding butterflies and hovering birds. It's not just a pretty face, though - this plant is as hardy as they come!

Cuphea ignea flagship image

Cuphea ignea

Partial To Full Sun

Can handle a mix of direct and bright light throughout the day.

High Water Needs

Requires frequent watering to maintain moist soil but doesn't tolerate standing water. Needs regular attention and good drainage. Best suited for dedicated indoor gardeners or outdoor spaces with intensive care.

Adaptable to Clay, Sand, Silt Loam

Thrives in clay, sand, and silt loam soils, showing great adaptability to different soil textures. Needs frequent watering. Requires good soil drainage.

Moderately Adaptable Soil pH

Can thrive in both acidic (pH < 6.5) and alkaline (pH > 7.5) soil conditions.

Safe For Humans

No known toxic effects or skin irritation risks.

Safe for All Animals

No known safety risks to pets or livestock.

63%

Adaptability Score

100%

Safety Score

About Cuphea ignea

The Cuphea ignea stands at a modest 1-2 feet tall and spreads out to a width of 2-3 feet. Its verdant leaves provide a lush backdrop for the star of the show - its scarlet flowers. These fiery blooms are not just ornamental, but also have an extended blooming period, providing a burst of color from spring to autumn.

Did you know that the Cuphea ignea is also known as the Firecracker Plant? Its vibrant, tubular flowers resemble lit cigars or firecrackers, giving it its unique common names.

Also known as

Cigar flower
Cigar-flower
Cigar-flower-plant
Firecracker plant
Firecracker-bush
Firecracker-plant
Mexican cigarplant

Our design recommendations

The Cuphea ignea is a versatile plant that can be used for edge and extensive planting. Its enduring flora makes it an excellent choice for hedging, while its compact size makes it perfect for urns or indoor greenery. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color to your deck or footpaths, this plant has got you covered! The Cuphea ignea is a flexible plant that can thrive in a variety of landscape locations. It's a great choice for urns, indoor greenery, decks, and footpaths. Just make sure it gets plenty of sunlight and it'll reward you with its fiery blooms!