Colombian waxweed
Cuphea carthagenensis · Lythraceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant colombian waxweed: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Carthagena Cuphea
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Type
- Perennial or annual herbaceous plant depending on climate
- Flowering
- June to October, tubular red and yellow flowers
- Adult size
- 0.3 to 0.6 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender (tropical to Mediterranean climate)
- Origin
- Central and South America
Care
Light
Place your cuphea in a well-lit sunny spot to encourage abundant flowering. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less generously. Choose a location protected from cold winds.
Watering
Keep the soil moist without waterlogging. Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer), letting it dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter or when growing in containers.
Soil
Prefer light, well-draining substrate rich in organic matter. A potting mix for terrace plants or amended garden soil works well. Avoid water retention at all costs.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks during flowering. A flowering plant fertilizer applied in early summer stimulates flower production.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young stems in spring to encourage branching. Remove faded flowers regularly to extend the flowering period. In late winter, prune lightly to maintain a nice shape.
Pests and diseases
Watch for spider mites in dry conditions. Be alert to powdery mildew if excessive humidity is combined with poor air circulation. Treat preventively if necessary with mild solutions.
Did you know?
Cuphea carthagenensis is called the "cigarette plant" in English because of its small tubular bicolored flowers (red and yellow) that resemble lit cigarettes. Native to tropical regions of America, it has become a highly prized ornamental plant in Mediterranean gardens and container cultivation, where its generous flowering over several months delights flower enthusiasts.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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- Pourpier deauLythrum portula
- Lythrum hyssopifoliaLythrum hyssopifolia
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.