Cuphea ‘Starfire’

Common Name:
Starfire Cigar Plant

Description:
Cuphea ‘Starfire’ is a charming, evergreen shrub valued for its cascade of tubular blooms. Flowery spikes of vibrant pinkish‑red tubes tipped with lavender and white unfurl from late spring through autumn, maintaining interest well into cooler months. Foliage is narrow, lance-shaped and lush olive‑green, forming a neat, bushy mound. Originating as a hybrid of Cuphea ignea and C. angustifolia, it suits Melbourne’s climate wonderfully: heat‑tolerant, drought‑resilient once established, and thrives in well‑drained soil with full to partial sun. Light pruning and deadheading encourage rebloom, while even moisture supports peak display. Highly adaptable, disease-resistant and low maintenance, it’s ideal in garden beds or containers.

Form:

• Shrub – Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 45–90 cm

• Width: 45–90 cm

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

• Flowers until first frosts

Flower Colour:

• Pinkish‑red tubes with lavender and white accents

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Evergreen

• Perennial

• Disease Resistant

• Bee Attracting

• Butterfly Attracting

• Low Maintenance

• Drought Tolerant

• Heat Tolerant

• Container Friendly

• Deer Resistant

Toxicity:

• Non‑toxic to humans and animals

Companion Plants:

• Lavandula (Lavender) – complementary scent and colour contrast

• Salvia species – matching pollinator appeal

• Ornamental grasses (e.g., Lomandra, Dianella) – textural contrast

• Other sun-loving perennials like Gaura or Echinacea

Plant Growers Australia (PGA) is an innovative wholesale production nursery based in Melbourne, renowned for superior quality garden plants and pioneering breeding programs.
PGA do not sell direct to the public, but their website has detailed information on this species that is available for everyone to access. 
Visit www.pga.com.au for further details and photos of this plant.