Cuphea Cuphea llavea

Bat-faced Cuphea or Red Cuphea is a perennial, evergreen sub-shrub native to Mexico in the loosestrife family. In North Carolina, it can be grown as an annual, container plant or house plant. The name comes from the flower which has a one inch long, hairy purple calyx with two upward facing red petals, resembling a bat face. It begins blooming in late spring and continues until frost, producing clusters of numerous flowers in the leaf axils.  The genus name comes from the Greek kyphos meaning curved or humped, referring to the shape of its seed capsules.

In its native habitat, it may grow 2 to 3 feet tall, but as an annual, it will most likely reach 12 to 18 inches tall with a similar spread.

When planted outside, it does best in well-drained moist soils in full sun. It will tolerate hot summers and partial shade and does well along a border or pathways. It is sensitive to cool temperatures, but you can grow the plant in containers and bring the plant in during the winter. If indoors, place in a sunny location and reduce watering. You can cut the plant back to prevent legginess. Bat-faced Cuphea attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Many cultivars are available.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.