Botanical Name: Cuphea hybrid ‘Hummingbird’s Lunch’

Common Name: Cuphea, Cigar Plant

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 8–11); Grown as an Annual Elsewhere

Size: 18–24" Tall × 18–24" 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: Bright Red Tubular Flowers, Exceptional Hummingbird Attraction, Continuous Blooming, Excellent Heat Tolerance

Uses: Pollinator Gardens, Containers, Landscape Beds, Accent Plantings, Wildlife Gardens

Patent: ✔ Patented

Propagation: ❌ Propagation Prohibited Without License

More About Cuphea ‘Hummingbird’s Lunch’

Cuphea ‘Hummingbird’s Lunch’ was bred specifically for maximum hummingbird attraction, producing a constant supply of bright red, tubular flowers perfectly shaped for nectar feeding. From late spring through frost, the plant stays covered in blooms, making it a reliable food source throughout the growing season.

The plant forms a dense, upright mound with strong branching, allowing it to hold heavy bloom without flopping. It thrives in heat and humidity and continues flowering when many other plants slow down.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Hummingbird’s Lunch’ has been an exceptionally dependable performer in full sun. It establishes quickly, maintains a tidy, bushy habit, and flowers nonstop with minimal maintenance.

We especially appreciate its consistency. Hummingbirds visit daily, often multiple times per hour, making this one of the most effective pollinator plants we grow. It performs equally well in containers and in-ground plantings.

Cuphea ‘Hummingbird’s Lunch’ vs. Other Cuphea

Compared to larger varieties like ‘David Verity,’ ‘Hummingbird’s Lunch’ offers a more compact, controlled size while still delivering excellent hummingbird appeal. It’s easier to place in containers and smaller garden spaces.

When compared to Vermillionaire®, ‘Hummingbird’s Lunch’ provides slightly larger flowers and a bushier habit, with similar heat tolerance and bloom longevity. For gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, heat-loving plant that reliably draws hummingbirds all season, Cuphea ‘Hummingbird’s Lunch’ is a top choice.