Cigar Plant 50 Seeds - Cuphea ignea - Indoors or Out

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Cuphea ignea
Family: Lythraceae (loosestrife family)
Common Names: cigar plant, cigarette plant, firecracker plant, cigar flower

Description
Allow me to introduce you to the cigar plant with the scientific name Cuphea ignea. The species name ignea (also called the specific) is Latin for fire. This references the brilliant orange flowers that inspire this tropical perennial's common names like cigar flower and cigarette plant.

Firecracker plant seems more descriptive to me. As the flower matures, it extends a thin threadlike pistil that looks to me just like a fuse. Indeed the flowers are about the same size as the tiny firecrackers. About 3 ft (0.9 m) in height with a similar spread. The leaves are lance shaped or narrowly elliptical and dark green measuring 1-1.5 in (2.5-3.8 cm) in length and 0.25-0.5 in (0.6-1.3 cm) wide. They are arranged oppositely on the stems and flowers arise from where the leaves attach.

Location
The cigar plant is native to Mexico and the islands of the West Indies. In recent years, no doubt due to its many talents, the cigar plant's popularity is on the rise among gardeners everywhere.

Culture
Pinch back the stem tips occassionally to maintain a dense compact shape.
Light: Bright sun but tolerates some shade. Also makes a great houseplant on a sunny window.
Moisture: Cigar plant likes moisture but will endure short dry spells.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 10 - 12. This frost tender tropical plant is also grown in Zones 8 and 9 where it may be killed back to the roots but usually returns. In other areas this fast grower is grown as an annual.
Propagation: Cigar plant is easily grown from seed. Also from short stem tip cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

Usage
Use cigar plant where ever you want hot bright color throughout the summer. Use it in masses to provide a backdrop for shorter plants in the perennial bed. It works well as a compact shrub at the center of island beds or in large containers. If you garden in a frosty zone cigar plant is easily and inexpensively grown as an annual. Its fast growth rate will ensure a long flowering season. Combine cigar plant's orange with its close cousin, Mexican false heather's (Cuphea hyssopifolia)purple to create a rowdy combination of complementary colors.

Features
Cigar plant is a fast grower and requires little attention. But it will command your attention as party place for all manner of butterflies and hummingbirds. Plant a mass of cigar plants near a window or the patio where you can enjoy watching hordes of happy hummingbirds come to feast on the beautiful banquet that you have left for them. It is very tolerant of heat and a summer long bloomer. After enjoying just one cigar plant in your garden or patio you'll be hooked.

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