Cigar Plant (Cuphea melvillea)

Cigar plant (Cuphea melvillea) is a shrubby, heat-loving perennial native to Mexico. A member of the Lythraceae family, it's grown for its unique, tubular, orange-red flowers with a white rim and two purple petals that resemble a lit cigar.

Description

Compact, rounded shrub 2–3 feet tall and wide. Leaves are small, ovate, glossy, dark green. Flowers are 1–1.5 inches, tubular, orange-red with a white tip and two small purple "ash" petals at the mouth. Blooms profusely from late spring to frost. Attracts hummingbirds.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 8–11 (root-hardy to zone 7 with mulch).
• Light: Full sun.
• Soil: Well-drained, average.
• Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established.
• Temperature: Heat-loving; thrives in summer heat.

Care & Maintenance

Light prune in spring to shape. Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer. No deadheading needed. Propagate from cuttings. Overwinter indoors in bright light in cold zones.

Uses

Borders, rock gardens, containers, hummingbird gardens. Unique flower form is a conversation piece.

Potential Issues

Root rot in wet soil. Few pests. Generally tough and floriferous.

A whimsical, hummingbird-friendly shrub with flowers that look like tiny cigars.