Standing Cypress (Ipomopsis rubra) | Complete Guide to Grow and Care
Standing cypress, or Ipomopsis rubra one of my favorite wildflowers. This wildflower native to the Southeastern United States. It’s part of the Phlox family, known for its beautiful blooms. What makes this plant special is its impressive height of 5.5 feet, spread of 3 feet, and eye-catching red flowers. Imagine a plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall, with a slender – branchless stem covered in feathery leaves, topped with a burst of bright red, tube-shaped flowers (five lobed). This short-lived plant is like having natural fireworks in your garden!
One of the coolest things about standing cypress is its life cycle. In its first year, it forms a low, fern-like rosette of leaves. But don’t be fooled – this is just the beginning! In its second year, it shoots up tall and produces those amazing flowers. This two-year cycle is why we call it a biennial plant.
Facts and Characteristics of Standing Cypress
| Characteristics | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ipomopsis rubra |
| Common Names | Standing Cypress, Texas Plume, Red Gilia |
| Family | Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family) |
| Plant Type | Biennial, Short-Lived Perennial |
| Native Range | Southeastern USA (North Carolina, Florida, Texas) USDA Hardiness Zones 6-10 |
| Dimensions | Height (3-5′) Spread (1-2′) |
| Growth Habit | Unbranched, leafy stem, Fern-like rosette, Top Flowering |
| Flowers | Tube-shaped, five-lobed – Bright red with orange or yellow dots |
| Blooming Period | All summer, blooms at top of stem |
| Fruit Type | Capsule |
| Sun Exposure | Full |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy or rocky |
| Drought Tolerance | Yes |
| Deer Resistance | Yes |
| Pest/Disease Resistance | Generally pest and disease free |
| Birds and Insects | Hummingbirds, butterflies, native pollinators |
| Propagation | By seeds, natural reseeding |
| Uses | Wildflower gardens, meadows, rock gardens, xeriscaping |
| USDA Symbol | IPRU2 |
How to Grow Standing Cypress?
Considering the characters and facts about the plant, following guide would help to grow Cypress Plant.
- Choose a sunny spot in your garden. Standing cypress loves full sun!
- Make sure the soil drains well. If your soil is heavy clay, mix in some sand or gravel.
- Plant seeds in late fall or early spring. Just sprinkle (200 seeds per sq m) on the soil surface – don’t bury them.
- Keep the soil a bit moist until the seeds sprout. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
- In the first year, you’ll see a low rosette of fern-like leaves. Don’t worry – it’ll shoot up tall in its second year!
How to Care for Standing Cypress?
You need to look for the following main cares;
Light
Standing cypress loves full-sun! Plant it where it can get full sunlight all day. This will help it grow tall and strong, and produce lots of bright flowers. If you don’t have a full-sun spot, make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day by placing it near the windows.
Water
This plant doesn’t need much water once it’s established. Water it deeply once a week if there’s no rain. During hot, dry spells, you might need to water twice a week. But be careful not to overwater – otherwise it would be soggy
Temperature
Standing cypress is tough when it comes to temperature. It can handle both hot summers and cold winters. In USDA zones 6-10, it can survive outside all year round. If you live somewhere colder, you might need to protect it during harsh winters.
Humidity
Good news – standing cypress isn’t picky about humidity! It can handle both dry and slightly humid conditions. This makes it a great choice for many different climates (USDA 6 through 10). You don’t need to worry about misting it or using a humidifier.
Soil
Standing cypress prefers well-draining soil. Sandy or rocky soil is perfect. If your garden has heavy clay soil with pH 6.5 to 7.5, mix it well with some sand or gravel before planting. The plant likes soil that’s a bit on the dry side, so good drainage is key.
Fertilizer
Standing cypress doesn’t need much fertilizer. In fact, too much can make it grow too fast and become weak. If you want to feed it, use a light dose of balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
How to Propagate Standing Cypress?
- Collect seeds from the plant in late summer or fall. Wait until the seed capsules turn brown and start to split open.
- Store the seeds in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant.
- In late fall or early spring, prepare a sunny spot with well-draining soil.
- Scatter the seeds on the soil surface. Don’t bury them – they need light to germinate.
- Gently press the seeds into the soil, but don’t cover them.
- Keep the soil lightly moist until the seeds sprout.
- Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out so they’re about 1-2 feet apart.
Remember
Standing cypress is a biennial. This means it’ll grow leaves the first year, and flowers the second year. But don’t worry – once you get it started, it often reseeds itself, giving you beautiful blooms at the top of the stem year after year!
What are the Benefits of Standing Cypress?
- Attractive and Showy – Standing cypress is a real eye-catcher in any garden. Its tall stems topped with bright red flowers create a stunning visual display like the natural fireworks that’s hard to miss.
- Attracts Hummingbirds – If you love watching hummingbirds, standing cypress is a must-have plant. The long, tubular shape of its flowers is perfect for hummingbirds to feed from.
- Conspicuous Flowers – The flowers of standing cypress are not just beautiful – they’re impossible to overlook. The bright red showy flowers bloom throughout the summer, providing long-lasting color.
- Nectar Source – Standing cypress isn’t just pretty – it’s also a valuable food source for pollinators. Its flowers produce nectar that attracts not only hummingbirds, but also butterflies and bees.
- Deer Resistant – If deer often munch on your garden plants, you’ll appreciate standing cypress. Deer typically avoid this plant, making it a great choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
I’m Dr Qaiser Maqsood (PhD), a dedicated researcher and expert in Biological Sciences, Gardening, Bio-Diversity, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences. I’m much concerned about Environmental Pollution, Climate Change, Plantation, Gardening, and Global Warming. My passion is to explore innovative solutions in all these fields.
Be aware that we have ONLY ONE EARTH. Protect it!!
