Cuphea ignea Scarlet

Cuphea ignea 'Scarlet' is an undershrub of Mexican origin, very popular in gardens in hot climates. It forms a slightly irregular tuft, as wide as it is tall, remaining compact, with beautiful dark green evergreen foliage. This dark mass of vegetation highlights the small, narrow and elongated bright red flowers that bloom on the plant from May to October. Only gardens in the mildest climates can accommodate it in open ground; everywhere else, it will have to be planted in a pot and brought indoors to protect it from frost. It is an easy plant to grow in full sun, with some watering in summer.

The genus Cuphea, which includes more than 250 species, is a member of the Lythraceae family, composed of herbaceous plants (including Lythrum salicaria), and also woody plants (for example, pomegranate), but only in hot climates. Cuphea ignea (synonym: C. platycentra) is an undershrub native to Mexico and the Caribbean, where it blooms almost all year round. Its numerous vernacular names evoke its unique flowering: Chinese matches, cigarette herb, firecracker plant. In fact, it produces small tubular flowers with orange petals and white tips that can resemble a burning cigarette. Very common in tropical gardens due to its long flowering period, Cuphea ignea can only withstand winter in the mildest areas.

'Scarlet' is a horticultural variety very similar to the species, but distinguished by the bright red colour of its flowers. Measuring 2 to 3cm (1in) in length, and borne on a very thin and discreet floral peduncle, these solitary flowers are distributed throughout the plant, forming a beautiful contrast with the foliage. Their tubular shape slightly widens at the tips, with a white mark and a cluster of prominent stamens, giving them a unique, sculptural appearance. The flowering period generally extends from May to October, or even longer in tropical regions.

The foliage is dark green in colour, with a slightly shiny surface that forms a beautiful backdrop for the bright flowering. The leaves are small, barely larger than the flowers, elliptical in shape with a very pointed tip. The plant easily branches out, forming a fairly irregular bushy tuft, about 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in) in height and width. It has inherited a high heat resistance from its tropical origin, and when it can be grown in open ground, it tolerates episodes of moderate drought. Not demanding, it accepts most soils: neutral, moderately acidic or limestone, moist but not too dry. 

Cuphea ignea 'Scarlet' will delight enthusiasts of beautiful exotic plants and will make beautiful container displays, with a flowering period rarely equalled. With a hardiness comparable to that of Streptosolen jamesonii, another tropical beauty, it will be easy to grow in a lovely pot to decorate a terrace. You can then plant it with other beautiful cold-sensitive plants, such as Hardenbergia violacea, a climbing plant with a bountiful violet (or white) flowering, which also grows very well in a pot equipped with a trellis to allow it to develop. Citrus x limon 'Four Seasons' will help you perfect your exotic ambiance while also allowing you to benefit from its vitamin C-rich fruits.