Tropicals – Cigar Plant

Botanical name: cuphea ‘vermillionaire’

Beginner friendly?: no

Average size at maturity: 3 ft in height 2 ft in width

Bloom time: blooms in the summer and periodically throughout the year depending on climate

Hardy zone: zones 10-12

Flower color: yellow, orange, red

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: grows about 1-2 ft per year

Pruning instructions: prune in the winter during dormancy to maintain desired shape and size

Propagation methods: propagate by stem cuttings

Landscape use: pollinator garden, borders, container plant

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day

Special features: can bloom all year long in the proper climate

Watering instructions: water regularly in the summer and allow the first inch of soil to dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced fertilizer that is high in potassium and phosphorus in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring or summer

Best type of soil: loam, potting soil

Companion plants: passionflower, yarrow, marigolds

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and toxic for pets

Invasive species: no