Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
10/7/04
Contacts:
Linda Naeve, Reiman Gardens, (515) 294-8946, lnaeve@iastate.edu
Del Marks, Continuing Education and Communication Services, (515) 294-9807,
delmarks@iastate.edu
Reiman's Pick for the week of Oct. 4, 2004
Cigar Plants Light Up Container Gardens
By Linda Naeve
Reiman Gardens
Iowa State University Extension
If you are looking for something new and different for your garden, take notice of the great flowering annual, Cuphea x purpurea 'Firecracker' in the containers on the entry bridge at Iowa State University's Reiman Gardens. Not only is the plant dynamic, but what else could you expect from a plant with a name such as 'Firecracker.'
Introduced by Ball Horticultural Company, Cuphea x purpurea 'Firecracker' blooms prolifically from initial planting until it succumbs to the first fall frost. Its dark green leaves are an attractive background for the masses of red and purple one-inch long tubular flowers. The unique shape and bold colors of Cuphea 'Firecracker' are great companion plants for containers and for use in hanging baskets. Its easy care and outstanding performance earned 'Firecracker' the Classic City Award from the University of Georgia in 2002.
Yet, firecracker is not the only name of this beauty, as the long, red tubular flowers of the Cuphea species also resemble lit cigars, giving it the common name; cigar plant or cigar flower. The unusual flower form and bright colors attract hummingbirds and butterflies too.
Cigar plants grow 12-inches tall and 12-to 14-inches wide to form gentle mounds of color. Their spreading stems also make an attractive groundcover in the garden.
Cuphea ignea, known as Mexican cigar plant, is a closely related species with small, fuzzy leaves and small, red, tubular flowers having black and white tips. Most commonly grown indoors as a houseplant, it also thrives in the garden during the growing season.
Cigar plants are native to Mexico, so it will only survive as an annual in northern climates. They grow best in full sun and tolerate poor soils. Cigar plants are easy to grow and maintain because they thrive when the soil is somewhat dry between watering. As an added maintenance-free bonus, you do not need to remove the spent blooms of cigar plants.
Keep Cuphea species through the winter by taking three- to four-inch cuttings rooted in moist perlite. When the roots are an inch long, plant the cuttings in small pots containing fresh potting soil. Place the cigar plants in a bright, sunny location in your home. You may also take additional cuttings from these plants later in the winter to increase your plant inventory for next year's garden. Unfortunately, 'Firecracker' is a patented variety, which means it is illegal for gardeners to propagate it.
Cuphea 'Firecracker' has become a favorite of the horticulture staff at Reiman Gardens. Planted all through the garden, its red-hot flowers light up containers, baskets and annual flowerbeds throughout the Gardens' 14 acres.
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Editors: A color photo, suitable for publication, is available at right. Click on the thumbnail photo to go to the fullsized photo. The picture's fullsize photo is 352K. Caption: Cuphea 'Firecracker' is an annual garden flower that adds bold color to container gardens. It grows about a foot tall with masses of red and purple flowers. The long, tubular flowers resemble lit cigars, hence its common name, cigar plant. |
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