Standing Cypress

Ipomopsis rubra (Polemoniaceae)

Characteristics

Culture

Standing Cypress is a spectacular red flowering biennial that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds galore! It thrives in a wide range of soils from caliche to sand to rich bottom lands. Grows from North Carolina to Florida to Texas. Plants bloom the second spring after planting. After its blooming period the second year, the plant reseeds readily before dying. Seedlings can be transplanted in late fall. Standing Cypress is highly popular for cut flowers, often lasting a week or more.

Noteworthy Characteristics

To prolong the blooming period, you can cut the first stalk back after it blooms to stimulate the plant to send up a second bloom stalk. The flowers bloom on a thick spike from the tip of the stem downward. Hummingbirds find this plant absolutely irresistible and you’ll have hummingbirds galore, all seeking a drink of nectar from the tubular shaped flowers. Sometimes in the evening the Hawks moth can be seen probing these flowers with its long proboscis. After blooming, Standing Cypress reseeds readily, providing years of seasonal color. There are other color variations ranging from brilliant red to orange to yellow.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Mass in sunny borders, cottage gardens, wild gardens, native plant gardens or naturalized areas.

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Information courtesy of Native American Seed