Bat Faced Cuphea
Bat Faced Cuphea (Cuphea llavea)
Bat Faced Cuphea is a warm-season subshrub valued for abundant tubular purple flowers with red lobes that resemble little bat faces. A tidy, mounding habit and nonstop bloom make it a standout for containers, edging, and pollinator plantings.
Distinctive Features
Continuous flowering from late spring to frost with self-cleaning blooms that attract hummingbirds and bees. Fine, glossy foliage and branching stems maintain a neat outline in heat and humidity.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade, with afternoon shade in very hot climates.
- Soil: Well drained, moderately fertile soil or high-quality potting mix.
- Water: Keep evenly moist to establish; moderate water thereafter with brief drought tolerance.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11 outdoors; grow as an annual elsewhere.
- Mature Size: 1 to 2 ft tall and 1 to 2 ft wide.
Ideal Uses
- Focal Point: Unique bat faced blooms provide vivid color and conversation appeal.
- Containers: Reliable, season-long floral display on patios and porches.
- Edging: Low, mounded plants define paths and borders.
- Hanging Baskets: Lightly cascading tips soften rims and mix well with trailers.
- Pollinator Gardens: Nectar rich flowers draw hummingbirds and beneficial insects.
Low Maintenance Care
- Watering: Water deeply, then allow the top inch of soil to dry before the next cycle.
- Pruning: Shear or pinch lightly once or twice in summer to refresh shape and encourage more bloom.
- Fertilizing: Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced, dilute fertilizer.
- Mulching: Apply a 1 to 2 inch mulch layer to conserve moisture and reduce weeds in beds.
- Notes: Protect from frost; provide good drainage to prevent root stress in wet periods.
Why Choose Bat Faced Cuphea?
- Distinct Bloom Form: Bat like flowers add whimsy and high visibility.
- Long Bloom Season: Flowers steadily from planting to frost.
- Heat Ready: Performs reliably in summer conditions.
- Pollinator Magnet: Highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees.
- Versatile Habit: Equally effective in beds, borders, baskets, and mixed containers.
Plant in a sunny, well drained spot, water regularly during heat, and give a light midsummer trim to keep plants dense and flowering.
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