Cuphea Vermillionaire

Plant name: Cuphea Vermillionaire

Scientific name: Cuphea hybrid ‘Vermillionaire’

Plant description:
Cuphea Vermillionaire is a compact, heat-tolerant flowering plant bred for continuous bloom and strong landscape performance. This sterile hybrid does not set seed, which allows it to direct energy into producing flowers throughout the growing season. It forms a dense, rounded mound with well-branched stems and steady growth, making it suitable for containers, borders, and mass plantings.

Flower description:
Tubular flowers in shades of fiery orange-red with a bright yellow tip cover the plant from late spring until frost. The blooms are narrow and slightly elongated, positioned just above the foliage for high visibility. Flowers are rich in nectar and are highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Leaf description:
Leaves are small, smooth, and medium green with a slightly glossy surface. Foliage remains tidy and evenly spaced along the stems, creating a balanced mound that supports heavy bloom coverage.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in frost-free climates; grown as an annual in cooler regions

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 8–11 as a perennial; grown as an annual in cooler climates

Mature height and width:
Typically 12–18 inches tall and 18–24 inches wide, forming a rounded, spreading mound

Landscape uses:
Suitable for pollinator gardens, mixed borders, edging, and patio containers. Effective in mass plantings where consistent bloom color is desired. Its compact habit also makes it useful in small-space gardens and combination planters.

Native range:
Cuphea species are native to Mexico and Central America; ‘Vermillionaire’ is a cultivated hybrid

Sun exposure:
Full sun promotes the strongest flowering and compact growth. Light shade may be tolerated but can reduce bloom density.

Water requirements:
Moderate water during establishment. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods but performs best with consistent moisture in well-drained soil. Avoid prolonged saturation.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance. May occasionally experience aphids or spider mites, particularly under stress. Good drainage and airflow help prevent root and fungal issues.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Excellent tolerance of heat and intense sun. Maintains steady flowering through high summer temperatures when provided adequate moisture.

Cold tolerance:
Sensitive to frost. Growth declines as temperatures drop, and freezing conditions will damage or kill the plant. In marginal climates, it may regrow from the base after light freezes.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil with adequate spacing to encourage airflow and branching. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization, which can promote foliage at the expense of flowers. Light feeding during the growing season supports continuous bloom production. Trim lightly if needed to maintain a compact shape and encourage additional branching.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.