About
Cuphea Vermillionaire, often referred to as the 'Firecracker' or 'Cigar' plant, is a low-growing, spreading perennial that sheds its leaves in the colder months. It features narrow, dark green leaves and produces tubular flowers that are pale yellow with red bases and lighter green tips. This plant blooms continuously from May through November and is resilient in both high temperatures and dry conditions.
About the genus
Cuphea includes annuals, perennials, and evergreen shrubs, frequently characterized by sticky hairs. The leaves are arranged oppositely and are simple in structure. The flowers are tubular, featuring a prominent calyx and diminutive petals.
Growing conditions
- 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
- H4
Plant details
- Plant type
- Bedding, Conservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial, Houseplants
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Best grown in well-drained soil in a sheltered site in sun or partial shade but shade from hot sun. Alternatively grow in a pot under glass or as a houseplant
- Pruning
- See pruning group 10 in spring if needed. Flowers tend to drop by themselves without the need for deadheading
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free