Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’

Unveiling the Charm of Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’: A Striking Hybrid

Background and Family: Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ also known as Cuphea x ignea ‘Starfire’ or Cuphea lanceolata ‘Starfire,’ is a captivating hybrid plant. It is a result of crossing two Cuphea species: Cuphea ignea and Cuphea angustifolia Jacq. ex Koehne. Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ belongs to the Lythraceae family of plants.

Origin and Discovery: Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ emerged as a hybrid plant in the early 1990s. It was created by crossing Cuphea ignea and Cuphea angustifolia. Cuphea ignea, commonly known as a cigar plant, is native to Mexico and produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow. Cuphea angustifolia, or Mexican firecracker, is an annual plant from Mexico with smaller tubular flowers in pink or purple hues.

Characteristics and Description: Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ is a low-growing, bushy evergreen perennial that reaches a height of approximately 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). It features dark green foliage composed of narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The plant showcases masses of small, tubular flowers in a charming shade of pink. These flowers are borne in spikes and generously bloom from spring through fall.

Flowers and Fragrance: The flowers of Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ have a striking appearance. Each flower measures about 2.5 cm (1 inch) and features a deep striped pink tube with light purple petals. The flower structure includes six petals—two dorsal and four ventral. While Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ does not possess a distinct fragrance or aroma, its visually appealing flowers attract bees and hummingbirds, adding an element of liveliness to your garden. Deadheading spent flowers encourages the plant to produce more blooms, prolonging the flowering season.

Cultivation of Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’:

Sunlight: Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ thrives in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. If you reside in a hot climate, providing some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from excessive heat.

Watering: Regular watering is essential for Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink,’, especially during hot and dry weather. To encourage deep root growth, water deeply and infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. However, be cautious not to overwater, as Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ prefers well-drained soil.

Soil: Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ prefers humus-rich, moist soil that is well-drained. If your soil tends to be heavy clay, adding sand or compost can help improve drainage and create an ideal growing environment for the plant.

Pests and Diseases: Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be susceptible to common garden pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can effectively control these issues if they arise.

Propagation: Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings. Seed germination may be slow, so it is advisable to sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Alternatively, take cuttings from new growth in spring or summer. Cuttings can be placed in a moist environment for about 10 days to encourage root development. With proper care, the cuttings will grow rapidly and may even start flowering within five weeks.

Additional Tips:

• Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ can be pruned and sheared to control its shape and size, making it a versatile plant for various garden settings.
• This plant is known to be deer resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens frequented by deer.
• With its vibrant flowers, Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ serves as a magnet for hummingbirds, delighting both the eye and the wildlife.

Discover the captivating beauty of Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ as it graces your garden with its charming presence. Whether used in mixed borders, container gardens, or as a stunning backdrop, this hybrid plant is sure to captivate and add a touch of allure to any landscape.

Also, read about Cuphea hyssopifolia and Cuphea llavea.