Cigar Plant

(Cuphea parsonsia)

Cigar Plant (Cuphea parsonsia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cuphea parsonsia, commonly known as Cigar Plant, is an annual herb that is native to the Caribbean. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), presenting a bushy and rounded form. The plant is adorned with tubular pink or purple flowers that are quite showy, blooming profusely from summer into fall, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies.

Cigar Plant is valued for its continuous flowering and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for borders, containers, and as a ground cover in warm climates. It can also be used as a houseplant in cooler regions. While it prefers full sun to part shade, it is adaptable to a range of light conditions. The plant thrives in medium or fast-draining loam or sandy soils and requires moderate watering, being somewhat drought-tolerant once established. There are no major disease problems, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. It is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness. Gardeners should note that Cuphea parsonsia is frost-sensitive and should be protected or treated as an annual in colder climates.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrubs
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance

Other Names

Common Names: Cigar Plant , Cuphea , Island Waxweed , Mexican Heather

Scientific Names: Cuphea parsonsia , Cuphea hyssopifolia , Cuphea parsonia , Cuphea parsonia , Cuphea parsonsia , Cuphea parsonsia var. balsamonoides , Cuphea parsonsia var. parsonsia , Cuphea radicans , Lythrum hispanicum , Lythrum parsonsia

GBIF Accepted Name: