Hummingbird's Lunch Cuphea | Red Yellow Tubular Flowers

Hummingbird's Lunch Cigar Plant

1 Gallon

$24.90

$24.90 $0.00

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Hummingbird's Lunch Cigar Plant

Cuphea 'Hummingbird's Lunch'

A non-stop blooming, heat-tolerant plant with unique bicolor cigar flowers that are an irresistible hummingbird magnet.

$24.90

$24.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Hummingbird's Lunch Cigar Plant is a captivating, upright evergreen shrub prized for its unique, bicolor, tubular flowers and exceptionally long blooming season. This award-winning hybrid from the 'Vermillionaire' series produces an abundance of small, cigar-shaped flowers that are vibrant red at the base, transitioning to a creamy yellow to bright orange at the tip, resembling a tiny, lit cigar . Blooming continuously from late spring through summer and into fall until the first frost, it is a non-stop magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees . Its lance-shaped leaves emerge with a beautiful bronze to maroon tint before maturing to dark green, adding ornamental interest even when not in bloom. Heat-tolerant, low-maintenance, and self-cleaning, it is an outstanding choice for containers, sunny borders, and pollinator gardens.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Lance-shaped, dark green leaves with a bronze to maroon tint when young; abundant, small (1 inch), tubular, cigar-shaped flowers with a vibrant red base and creamy yellow to orange tip; blooms continuously from late spring until frost .
Mature Height: 1-3 ft
Mature Spread: 1-3 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11 (perennial); grown as annual in cooler zones
Light Requirement: Full sun (best flowering) to partial shade
Core Benefits: Non-stop bicolor blooms, exceptional hummingbird magnet, heat tolerant, self-cleaning, bronze-maroon new growth, low maintenance.
Best Uses: Containers, hanging baskets, mixed borders, mass plantings, pollinator gardens, foundation plantings, annual beds.

Q: Is Hummingbird's Lunch Cigar Plant a perennial or an annual?
A: It is a tender perennial, reliably hardy in USDA zones 9-11 . In cooler zones (USDA 8 and below), it is grown as a spectacular, long-blooming annual for the spring-to-fall season. It will not survive freezing winter temperatures.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flower display?
A: For the most abundant and vibrant blooms, plant 'Hummingbird's Lunch' in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be somewhat reduced.

Q: Does it need deadheading?
A: No, it is self-cleaning. The spent flowers drop off naturally, so no deadheading is required to keep the plant blooming and looking tidy all season long . This makes it a very low-maintenance choice.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance but performs best with consistent moisture, especially in containers. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Can it be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for containers and hanging baskets . Its compact, upright habit and long bloom time make it a perfect "thriller" or "filler" in container combinations. Use a pot with good drainage and a well-draining potting mix. Container plants will need more frequent watering.

Q: Does it attract hummingbirds?
A: Absolutely. The tubular, red and yellow flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, which will visit the plant constantly throughout the blooming season . It is one of the best plants for bringing hummingbirds to your garden.