The quiver flower, also known as the cigarette flower, is a beautiful permanent bloomer. The perennial prefers a bright, sunny site.
With the quiver flower (cuphea ignea) you get an easy-care permanent bloomer in the garden. The exotic garden plant enriches borders, rock gardens or flower boxes with its distinctive flowers. The red flowers resemble cigarettes in shape and delight between early summer and autumn. The quiver flower is easy to care for and versatile.
Origin and characteristics
The quiver flower comes from the loosestrife family and is therefore related to the Japanese false myrtle, which is also extremely flowering. The "cigarette flower" comes from Mexico and was introduced to Europe in the mid-19th century.
On closer inspection, the red tubular flowers with their black markings and white calyx opening are reminiscent of a smoldering cigarette.
Quiver Flower - location and soil
The quiver flower can be planted in borders as well as the perennial bloomer in balcony boxes or expressively displaying its abundance of flowers in hanging baskets. The shoots can grow up to 40 centimeters long. Group planting in the border is also possible.
A bright, partially shaded to sunny location should be found for the quiver flower. However, the plants must be protected from the midsummer heat.
The substrate should be permeable and rich in nutrients. Waterlogging is just as little tolerated by the quiver flower as dry soil. Conventional potting soil is suitable for planting in boxes. In the field, a heavy clay soil should be loosened with sand. On the other hand, if the substrate is too sandy, high-quality potting soil is mixed in.
Planting Quiver Flowers
The quiver flower can spend the summer in beds and borders.
Planting step by step
- Choose location
- Loosen the soil and prepare it if necessary
- Dig planting hole
- Take the quiver flowers out of the plant pot
- Put quiver flowers in the ground
- Fill substrate
- Press the earth lightly
- Watering the quiver flowers
Caring for Quiverflowers
The quiver flower needs water regularly. During the flowering period - in midsummer - it is watered daily. The substrate is allowed to dry a little between the individual waterings. Under no circumstances should waterlogging be caused by frequent watering. If the water accumulates in the planter or in the soil, the roots are attacked and the plants can no longer absorb nutrients.
» Note: If a plant suffers from waterlogging, it appears as if it has dried up. It is therefore essential to check the substrate before watering again.
Cigarette flowers do not tolerate lime and should therefore be poured with stale water that is not too cold.
To ensure that the blossoms are full between early summer and autumn, the quiver flower should be fertilized regularly. To do this, simply add the liquid fertilizer to the irrigation water.
Cutting Quiver Flowers
When the flowering period is over, the Cuphea is cut back by about half. The plants then sprout more luxuriantly and retain their attractive appearance. This treats the quiver flower in the same way as, for example, lavender.
Propagating Quiverflowers
The quiver flower can be propagated using cuttings. The top cuttings are cut in early spring - before they sprout - and should be between five and seven centimeters long.
» Tip: Sprouting can be stimulated by treatment with a rooting hormone.
Our recommendation:
The cuttings are grown in a peat-sand mixture and placed in a light and warm place. Direct sunlight should not prevail. To support germination, the planter is fitted with a plastic cover.
When the first shoots appear, the cover is removed and the young plants are gradually accustomed to the sunlight.
Diseases and Pests
Occasionally spider mites are observed on the daisy flower. The pests can be easily identified in the leaf axils. The webs can be seen even when wet.
An infestation with mealybugs and mealybugs is also possible. Their webs resemble small cotton balls and cannot be overlooked.
Winter Quiver Flowers
The quiver flowers are only partially hardy and should be brought indoors before the first frost. Wintering takes place at temperatures around ten degrees. pouronly sporadically, no fertilization.