Cuphea Hummingbirds Lunch
Best pollinator-friendly shrub for gardeners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance seasonal color.
Attract hummingbirds and other pollinators with Cuphea Hummingbirds Lunch, also known as the firecracker or cigar plant. This compact, rounded shrub bursts with tubular, cherry-red flowers tipped with apricot, blooming from early spring to fall. It thrives in full sun and tolerates heat and dry conditions once established. Ideal for borders, containers, or as a houseplant, it brings continuous color and life to any garden or indoor space. Cuphea Hummingbirds Lunch is a versatile and rewarding choice for attracting wildlife and adding vibrant hues to your landscape.
$15.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
SKU
27794
Who it's for
- Birdwatchers looking to attract hummingbirds to their garden
- Gardeners wanting vibrant blooms from spring through autumn
- Busy homeowners needing low-maintenance, heat-tolerant plants
Who should skip it
- Pesticide-averse growers wanting a hands-off plant experience
- Gardeners seeking permanent, year-round landscape perennials
- Busy gardeners unable to provide consistent watering
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Attraction
High-nectar tubular blooms act as a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Bloom Longevity
Provides consistent, vibrant color from early spring through the first frost.
Heat Tolerance
Thrives in sweltering conditions where other delicate perennials might struggle.
Versatility
Adapts seamlessly to garden borders, patio containers, or indoor living spaces.
Maintenance Ease
Requires minimal effort once established, perfect for low-maintenance landscape designs.
Compact Growth
Ideal rounded habit fits perfectly into tight spaces or small containers.
Key Specs
SKU
27794
Genus
Cuphea
Variety
'Cupp1751'
Item Form
1-Quart
Mature Height
12 in
Mature Width
2 Feet
Hardiness Zones
8 - 10
Features
- Irresistible nectar for hummingbirds
- Long blooming season
- Compact, rounded shrub habit
- Tolerates heat and dry conditions
- Versatile for containers and beds
- Attracts butterflies and bees
- Suitable for indoor use
- Vibrant cherry-red and apricot blooms
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Cuphea Hummingbirds Lunch for its exceptional reliability and immediate appeal to pollinators. Reviewers frequently note the plant's robust health upon arrival and its vigorous growth, making it remarkably easy to establish. The primary draw is its effectiveness; consumers confirm it lives up to its name, becoming a genuine magnet for hummingbirds throughout the season. This consistent performance and low maintenance requirement solidify its high value, making it a favorite for gardeners seeking reliable, high impact color and wildlife interaction.
Know before you buy
Yes, its compact, rounded habit makes it an excellent choice for containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets. Ensure your pot has adequate drainage to keep the plant healthy.
Cuphea Hummingbirds Lunch is hardy in zones 8 through 10. If you live in a colder climate, you can treat it as an annual or bring it indoors during the winter months.
For the best performance and continuous flowering, place this plant in a location that receives full sun. While it is heat-tolerant, it requires consistent light to maintain its vibrant cherry-red and apricot color.
Yes, the tubular shape and nectar-rich nature of the flowers are specifically evolved to attract hummingbirds. It is also a reliable magnet for butterflies and bees throughout the growing season.
At maturity, this shrub typically reaches a height of 12 inches and spreads to a width of 2 feet. Its low, mounded profile makes it ideal for the front of garden borders.
Once established, this variety is quite resilient and can tolerate periods of dry conditions. However, container-grown plants will require more frequent watering than those planted directly in the ground.
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Ready to buy?
$15