Botanical Name: Cuphea micropetala
Common Name: Giant cigar plant
Type of Plant: dicot: perennial
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape A rounded, sprawling perennial/sub-shrub with upright stems terminating in clusters of yellow an red tubular flowers
Height to 4'
Spread to 4'
Growth Rate rapid
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors full sun to partial shade
Soil tolerates any soil with good drainage
Hardiness Some frost – zones 16-24
 
Morphology:
Leaves elliptical, dark green, to 5" long, oppositely arranged; foliage has a slightly abrasive texture, reddish stems are somewhat sticky
Flowers tubular flowers reddish orange at base, yellow-green at the ends; born in dense terminal spikes throughout the warm season
Fruit small papery capsule
 
Propagation:
stem cuttings
 
Usage:
potent hummingbird attractor, filler for open slopes and warm areas; good in rustic landscapes where sprawling habit and rangy appearance are not a problem; mixes with other Mediterranean plants
 
Landscape Care:
Watering takes average watering, tolerates some drought when established
Fertilizing slow-release fertilizer in spring
Pruning head back in late fall to control size and keep dense
Pests/Diseases none significant
Special Conditions/Other
 
Origin: Mexico
Family: Lythraceae

Notes:
 
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