Botanical Name: Cuphea ignea ‘David Verity’ Common Name: Cuphea, Giant Cigar Plant Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 8–11); Grown as an Annual Elsewhere Size: 24–36" Tall × 24–36" Spread Growth Habit: Upright, Bushy, Well-Branched Habit Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best Flowering in Full Sun) Soil: Well-Drained, Average to Fertile Soil Water Needs: Moderate; Drought Tolerant Once Established Bloom Season: Late Spring through Frost Fertilizer: Light Feeding During Active Growth Features: Long Tubular Orange-Red Flowers with Purple Tips, Exceptional Hummingbird Attraction, Continuous Blooming, Excellent Heat Tolerance Uses: Pollinator Gardens, Landscape Beds, Large Containers, Back-of-Border Plantings, Wildlife Gardens

Patent: ❌ Not Patented Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

More About Cuphea ‘David Verity’

Cuphea ‘David Verity’ is widely regarded as one of the best hummingbird plants available, producing nonstop tubular flowers from late spring until frost. The vivid orange-red blooms, accented with purple tips, are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds and are visited constantly throughout the growing season.

Unlike compact cuphea varieties, ‘David Verity’ grows into a large, shrub-like plant with strong branching and impressive presence. Once established, it handles heat, humidity, and short dry spells extremely well while continuing to flower heavily when many plants slow down.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘David Verity’ has been exceptionally reliable in full sun and summer heat. It grows quickly, fills space efficiently, and blooms continuously without deadheading. Even during extreme temperatures, flowering remains strong with basic watering.

We especially appreciate its role in pollinator gardens. Hummingbirds use it as a daily feeding station, and bees also visit regularly. It performs beautifully as a focal plant in beds or as a dramatic centerpiece in large containers.

Cuphea ‘David Verity’ vs. Other Cuphea

Compared to compact hummingbird cuphea like Vermillionaire®, ‘David Verity’ offers far greater size and flower volume, making it ideal where scale and impact are needed. While compact varieties fit smaller spaces, this selection shines in open landscapes.

When compared to Mexican heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia), ‘David Verity’ provides larger blooms and significantly stronger hummingbird attraction, trading fine texture for bold color and wildlife value. For gardeners seeking a heat-tolerant, long-blooming plant that delivers constant hummingbird activity, Cuphea ‘David Verity’ remains a top-tier choice.