Bat-faced cuphea.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial subshrub

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

Bright indirect

Water

Every 2 to 4 days

Mature size

1 to 2 feet

Growth rate

Fast

Hardiness

USDA 9 to 11

Bloom time

Late spring to first frost

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged to ensure the best blooms. Watch for wilting leaves, which is a clear sign the plant needs a drink. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage the plant to keep producing new ones throughout the summer.

Watering

Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Feeding

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the active growing season.

Pruning

Lightly trim back the stems once a month to maintain a bushy shape.

Repotting

Repot in the spring if the roots have filled the container.

Soil

Well draining, fertile soil

Soil pH

6.0 to 7.5

Temperature

5 to 35°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Drought tolerance

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years in warm climates.

Deer and rabbits

Moderate

Safety

People

There are no reports of significant toxicity to humans.

Pets

This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Children

The plant is generally safe, but keep it away from small children to prevent accidental ingestion of plant parts.

Edibility

This plant is not intended for consumption.

How to identify it

• Tubular flowers with two prominent petals
• Deep red and purple flower coloration
• Small, lance shaped green leaves
• Sticky, glandular hairs on stems
• Bushy and compact growth habit

Height

0.3 to 0.6m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

green, evergreen

Flowers

red, purple, 2 to 3cm

Problems to watch for

• Aphids · Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.
• Whiteflies · Tiny white insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves.

Growing it

Propagation

cuttings, seed

When to plant

spring

Overwintering

In cold climates, bring the pot indoors to a sunny window before the first frost. If planted in the ground, treat it as an annual and compost it after the season ends.

In containers

It grows beautifully in containers, provided the pot has good drainage and is at least 25 centimeters wide.

Pair this plant with other sun-loving annuals that have similar water needs to simplify your garden maintenance.

Grows well with

• Lantana · They share similar heat and sun requirements.
• Salvia · Both attract hummingbirds to the garden.

Similar species

• Cigar Plant · It is a close relative with a similar growth habit and flower structure.

Science

Family

Lythraceae

Genus

Cuphea

Order

Myrtales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Mexico

Conservation

This species is not currently listed as endangered or threatened.

It grows as a perennial in warm climates, often found in open, sunny areas where it provides nectar for pollinators.

Value to wildlife

nectar source

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Uses

container plant, border filler, pollinator garden

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?

Yes, it blooms best with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

Can I grow it in a pot?

It is an excellent choice for containers and hanging baskets.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Cuphea comes from the Greek word kyphos, meaning curved, referring to the shape of the seed capsule. The species name llavea honors the Mexican botanist Pablo de la Llave.

Good to know

• It is a heat-loving plant that thrives in full sun.
• The flowers are technically tubular calyxes.
• It is often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
• It requires very little deadheading to keep blooming.