Overview
Cuphea ignea 'Matchless' is a spreading branched bedding in the genus Cuphea, part of the Lythraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cuphea ignea 'Matchless' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include patio and container plants, city and courtyard gardens, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Cuphea ignea, the cigar plant, cigar flower, firecracker plant, or Mexican cigar, sometimes referred to as cigarette plant or cigarette bush is a species of flowering plant in the genus Cuphea of the family Lythraceae. It is a tropical, densely branched evergreen subshrub.
About the genus
Cuphea is a genus containing about 260 species of annual and perennial flowering plants native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the Americas. The species range from low-growing herbaceous plants to semi-woody shrubs up to 2 m tall. Commonly they are known as cupheas, or, in the case of some species, as cigar plants.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cuphea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cuphea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cuphea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Cuphea ignea 'Matchless' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cuphea ignea 'Matchless'
- Propagation
- Seed, Cuttings, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cuphea ignea 'Matchless'?
Cuphea ignea 'Matchless' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Cuphea ignea 'Matchless' need?
Cuphea ignea 'Matchless' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Cuphea ignea 'Matchless' hardy in the UK?
Cuphea ignea 'Matchless' has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Cuphea ignea 'Matchless'?
Seed, Cuttings, Division.