Mexican Cigar Plant Cuphea ignea

Mexican cigar plant is a broadleaf evergreen perennial sub-shrub that has a rounded, bushy habit and cigar-shaped, reddish-orange flowers with black tips. It is a tropical plant native to Southeast and Southwest Mexico. In cooler climates, this tender perennial can be grown as an annual and tolerates being wintered indoors in a sunny location and makes a beautiful houseplant.  Its neat, rounded shape and year-round flowering also make this plant suitable for containers. This plant is a member of the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) that also includes plants such as crape myrtles and pomegranates. The genus name, Cuphea, originates from the Greek word, kyphos, meaning curved or humped and most likely refers to the shape of its seed capsules. The specific epithet, ignea, is derived from the Latin word for "fire" and references the plant's colorful flowers. 

The Mexican cigar plant performs best in full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soils of loam and sand. It also prefers hot and humid conditions. In very hot climates, it is partial to part shade. If needed, please go ahead and prune the plant immediately after it has finished blooming. The plant likes moisture, but it is somewhat drought tolerant. It is intolerant to frost and winter hardy in zones 10 to 12. It is best propagated by seeds or stem cuttings. Cutting are best done in the fall and winter indoors.  Watering should also be reduced during this time. 

The plant grows 18 to 30 inches tall, equally as wide and is densely branched. The leaves are small, dark green and lance-shaped. The flowers bloom from late spring to fall or until the first frost. They create a striking display whether in the garden or planted in a container. The orange tubular blooms with white tipped petals and black tips look like a lit cigar or lit firecrackers.  Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to its nectar. 

In warmer climates, this easy to grow plant would be beautiful planted in either  flower beds or along walkways. In Florida, this plant flowers continually during the warm seasons.. In cooler climates, the Mexican cigar plant can used as container plant on deck or patio during the summer and then brought indoors as a houseplant or hanging basket over the winter.

Insects, Diseases and Other plant Problems:  The Mexican cigar plant is mostly disease and insect pest free. Pinching the stem tips will help the plant from becoming leggy.