Photo of Cuphea micropetala foliage by J.G. in SF

Photo by J.G. in SF

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Cuphea micropetala

Also Known As

  • Mexican Giant Cigar Plant

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 30"-48"
  • W: 30"-48"

planting zones

  • 7b-11

More Options

Cuphea micropetala plant details

Cuphea micropetala is a broadleaf deciduous perennial shrub with green foliage. In fall and summer orange, white and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - bright shade and even moisture water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cuphea micropetala

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: lythraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 30 IN - 48 IN - wide, 30 IN - 48 IN - tall
Flowers: orange, white and yellow blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, container plant, easy-to-grow, long-blooming

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cuphea micropetala

USDA Zones: 7b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: even moisture
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Woody sub-shrub, a Mexican native with abundant and gorgeous, candy corn flowers, red tubes with yellow tips, borne on the branch tips. To 3-4' tall and wide if winter doesn't interfere. Part sun, out of the hottest midday and afternoon heat, well-drained soil, and summer water to establish. Evergreen in frost-free places; a die back perennial in colder areas, returning in the spring in upper USDA zone 8. Hardier with protection from winter rains. Lythraceae
This tough and easily grown rhizomatous perennial produces tall spikes of 1-2" tubular flowers that open yellow and then fade to orange and red and are born on tall sturdy stems to 4'H. Giant Cigar typically flowers in late summer and fall, just in time for migrating Hummingbirds. Moderately drought tolerant once well-established. A Dawn Stover Nifty Fifty favorite herbaceous plant! Dawn is a Research Associate at Stephen F Austin in Nacogdoches, TX and currently maintains the Mast Arboretum plant collection. For more about Dawn, the wonderful arboretum, and Stephen F Austin's excellent horticultural program click here. The Giant Cigar Plant is also rated as an exceptional perennial with a perfect 5.00 score in the UGA trial gardens!
A bolder Cuphea for adding late summer interest. Tubular flowers are born on erect to arching 2'stems, and resemble candy corn in their coloring--orange, creamy yellow and white. Blooms Aug-November.

Gardening facts about Cuphea micropetala plant

How to Grow Cuphea micropetala

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • orange
    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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