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CUPHEA 'Rico Red'

Image of Cuphea 'Rico Red'

Nancy Engel

Family

Lythraceae

Botanical Name

CUPHEA 'Rico Red'

Plant Common Name

Hybrid Cigar Plant, Rico Red Cigar Flower

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

Compact and mounding to spreading in plant habit, Rico Red cigar flower is a hybrid tender tropical perennial to shrub with tubular flowers of vibrant coral-red with tiny white eyes. From spring until autumn, the colorful trumpet-like blossoms appear in loose clusters along the outer reaches of the stems, attracting hummingbirds.

Full sun to no less than partial sun will allow Rico Red cigar flower to blossom its best and have densest mounding habit. It is an excellent addition to a container or a planting that needs vivid tropical color without lots of water. In colder regions, use it as a bedding annual.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 8

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 11, 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    10"-14" / 25.4cm - 35.6cm

  • Width

    15"-20" / 38.1cm - 50.8cm

  • Bloom Time

    Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Red, Coral

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds, Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No