Cuphea Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Cuphea plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Cigar Plant, Cuphea, Clammy Cuphea, and False Heather: Cultivation & Garden Use

Plants of the genus Cuphea include the cigar plant, Firecracker plant and the Mexican cigar flower.

As you can probably tell by the common names the flowers of Cuphea are often long and cylinder shaped like cigars; usually of a dark red colour.

That said, some varieties of Cuphea have a wheel shape. They tend to flower from the summer until the first frost of the winter.

Cuphea linarioides by João de Deus Medeiros.

How to Grow Cuphea Cigar Plant

It is best to start growing cigar plants indoors first. They should be planted on the surface of the soil, in a light lit area with a temperature of about 72°F (22°C).

Cuphea seeds usually take about 10 days to germinate. They should be grown for a further ten week,s then transplanted outdoors in the middle to late spring with a spacing of 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm).

They prefer to grow in a partially shaded or sunny part of the garden that has a heavy soil that rich in humus.

Caring for Cuphea species such as Cigar plants in the Garden

Once the cigar plants have settled they should be pinched back at the growing tips, this will promote branching of the plant and lead to more flowers.

If you require more cigar plants then cuttings from the roots can be taken in the autumn. Alternatively the plant can be grown as a perennial by over wintering the plants indoors.

Cuphea cyanea by Scott Zona.

Common Questions

How many members does the Cuphea genus have?

The Cuphea genus includes approximately 260 species, many of which are grown for their showy, long-blooming flowers.

Do members of Cuphea make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Cuphea plants are excellent for gardens and landscapes, valued for their abundant flowers and attractiveness to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Which Cuphea species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The most frequently grown species is Cuphea ignea (Cigar Plant), noted for its cigar-shaped, fiery-colored flowers.

Are members of the Cuphea plant genus fragrant?

While not primarily known for fragrance, some Cuphea species may have a mild, sweet scent, especially in warm climates.

What is the perfect location to grow Cuphea?

Cuphea prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. They are heat-tolerant, making them a good choice for sunny, warm areas.

Is Cuphea invasive in the USA?

Currently, Cuphea species are not considered invasive in the USA. Some species can self-seed under ideal conditions, but not aggressively.

How do I remove Cuphea plants from my garden?

To remove Cuphea plants, pull or dig them up, making sure to remove all the roots to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Cuphea genus, part of the Lythraceae family, is native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the Americas. These annual or perennial plants are recognized for their small, brightly colored flowers that bloom from summer to frost, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

To grow Cuphea, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Regular watering is necessary, but they are quite drought-tolerant once established. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms. They are often used in borders, containers, or as an annual bedding plant in cooler climates.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Cuphea plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ Lythraceae growing guides: How to grow Lagerstroemia indica and Ophiopogon plants.