Firecracker Plant (Cuphea ignea): Cigar Plant for Hummingbirds

Cuphea ignea, the Firecracker Plant or Cigar Plant, is a small, semi-woody subshrub covered in tubular, bright red flowers with a white rim and two tiny purple petals—resembling lit cigars or firecrackers. It's a hummingbird favorite.

Botanical Profile

Growing Firecracker Plant

Native to Mexico and the West Indies, this plant grows 18–30 inches tall and wide. The leaves are small, lanceolate. The 1-inch flowers are produced continuously from spring to frost, each with a tubular red corolla, white tip, and two purple "ears." Hummingbirds love them.

It thrives in full sun to part shade, well-drained soil, and moderate water. Hardy in zones 9–11; elsewhere a superb annual for beds, borders, and containers. Heat and drought tolerant. A compact, non-stop bloomer for pollinator gardens and sunny edges.