cigar snake plant Cuphea micropetala

cigar snake plant Cuphea micropetalaThank goodness horticultural amnesty has allowed this Mexican immigrant to remain in the US. Cuphea micropetala forms a stunning 3. 5' tall x 6' wide deciduous clump topped, starting for us in mid September, with small tubular flowers that line the upper 1' of each stem. The flowers open bright yellow but as the flowers age, the base turns orange red before the entire flower takes on that color. The results are bicolor flowers so beloved by the

Thank goodness horticultural amnesty has allowed this Mexican immigrant to remain in the US. Cuphea micropetala forms a stunning 3.5' tall x 6' wide deciduous clump topped, starting for us in mid-September, with small tubular flowers that line the upper 1' of each stem. The flowers open bright yellow but as the flowers age, the base turns orange-red before the entire flower takes on that color. The results are bicolor flowers so beloved by the butterflies and hummingbirds we have to declare a temporary no-fly zone while we take cuttings. Although little-known, the medicinal oils from the foliage are used to treat liver and spleen ailments, but, no Lucy, we can't ex-spleen how. In cold climates, Cuphea micropetala may be slow to return in spring but our plants have been reliable, returning from 8 degrees F, as long as they get plenty of summer heat.

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