Cuphea ignea, the cigar plant, cigar flower,[1] firecracker plant, or Mexican cigar, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Cuphea of the family Lythraceae. It is a tropical, densely branched evergreen subshrub.[2] This species, native to Mexico and the West Indies, produces small, tubular, bright red to orange flowers.[3] Each flower is tipped with a thin white rim and two small purple-black petals. The flowers, which are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies,[4] resemble lit cigars, hence the name ignea, which is Latin for "fiery".[5] The genus name Cuphea comes from the Greek word kyphos which means curved or humped; this is thought to refer to the shape of the seeds. The leaves are small, elliptical and of a bright green colour. It grows to about 60cm (20inches).[6]
In temperate climates Cuphea ignea requires a warm, sheltered spot, as it does not tolerate frost. Alternately it may be grown under glass or indoors as a houseplant. In the UK this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit[7] (confirmed 2017).[8]
In the US, Cuphea ignea is winter hardy to USDA zones 10–12. It is somewhat drought tolerant, but prefers well-watered, well-drained soils.