Standing Cypress is a striking native flower from the southeastern U.S. that commands attention in any garden with its narrow, spike-like panicles of scarlet red blooms rising 2 to 6 feet tall. Each tubular flower flares into a five-lobed star, glowing scarlet red on the outside and dotted with red against yellow within, attracting hummingbirds from June through August. Hardy in zones 6 through 9, this low-maintenance perennial or short-lived biennial thrives in full sun with moderate water and poor soil, rewarding neglect-tolerant gardeners who let it self-seed year after year like a cottage garden native.
1
Full Sun
Moderate
6-9
60in H x 24in W
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Moderate
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Standing Cypress produces narrow, columnar flower spikes that rise dramatically above fine, feathery foliage, each blossom a delicate scarlet trumpet that hummingbirds cannot resist. Once established, it behaves like a cottage garden heirloom, self-seeding generously in optimum conditions and returning season after season without fussing. The combination of drought tolerance, deer resistance, and virtually no pest or disease problems makes it exceptionally low-maintenance, yet visually commanding.
Standing Cypress thrives as a naturalized flower in cottage gardens and perennial borders, where its tall, narrow form provides vertical accent and attracts hummingbirds. It serves equally well as an annual for gardeners in colder zones or those seeking guaranteed blooms in the first season, though allowing it to self-seed ensures flowers year after year in established plantings.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting outdoors after frost danger passes. Keep soil at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and expect germination in 7 to 14 days. Plant in pots and harden off seedlings before moving outside.
Set transplants outdoors after frost has passed. Space plants 1 inch apart in full sun with well-drained soil. Work a couple of inches of compost into the soil prior to planting.
Direct sow after the last frost to early summer, ideally recommended. You can sow two years in a row to establish a continuous cycle of flowers every year, allowing the plant to self-seed thereafter.
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“Ipomopsis rubra is native to the southeastern United States, where it has grown wild for centuries. Its common name reflects its upright, columnar growth habit that distinguishes it from sprawling relatives. As a member of the phlox family (Polemoniaceae), it shares the cottage garden heritage of foxgloves and hollyhocks, plants that gardeners have long treasured for their architectural presence and self-seeding generosity. This heirloom variety has persisted in American gardens through the gardening practices of multiple generations, perpetuating itself year after year through deliberate self-sowing in the manner of traditional cottage plantings.”