Cuphea Vermillionaire

Cuphea ‘Vermillionaire’, commonly called the large firecracker plant, is a compact, bushy perennial known for its abundant tubular orange flowers with a yellow throat, resembling tiny cigars or firecrackers. It blooms continuously from spring to fall, providing a nonstop nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Its deep green foliage adds contrast, and the plant thrives in heat and humidity.

Grow Zone

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 (Perennial)

• Can be grown as an annual in cooler zones

Height & Width

• Height: 18-36 inches

• Width: 12-24 inches

Uses

• Ideal for pollinator gardens, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies

• Works well in borders, containers, and hanging baskets

• Thrives in xeriscapes due to its drought tolerance

• Can be used as a bright, long-blooming bedding plant

Native Range

Cuphea species are native to Mexico and Central America, where they thrive in warm, sunny conditions with well-draining soil.

Growing Requirements

Light

• Prefers full sun for best flowering (at least 6-8 hours per day)

• Can tolerate light afternoon shade, but blooms may decrease

Soil

• Well-draining, loamy or sandy soil

• Prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0)

Watering

• Water regularly until established, then provide moderate watering

• Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional deep watering

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring

• Additional feedings with liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks encourage continuous blooms

Pruning & Maintenance

• Deadheading is not required, but trimming spent stems can encourage bushier growth

• Can be pruned lightly in late winter or early spring to refresh growth

---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.