Items 1 to 12 of 12 total
Items 1 to 12 of 12 total
Cuphea
Uses:
- Pollinator Gardens
- Hanging Baskets, Containers, & Houseplants
- Container Thriller
Features:
- Bright Flowers Bloom for Months
- Attracts Hummingbirds & Butterflies
- Heat & Drought Tolerant
Sunlight:
- Partial Shade to Full Sun
- At Least 4 Hours of Direct Sun
Growing Zones:
- 8-11
- What is My Zone?
Cupheas are bright, fun plants native to Central America. They are gaining popularity in the US and are grown as annuals or houseplants in areas with frost. The blooms are often tubular and come in array of colors. Expect this plant to bloom from spring until first frost, giving pollinators something to buzz about all summer!
About Cuphea
Genus
Species
Family
Cuphea
ignea ,purpurea ,micropetala ,lanceolata
Lythraceae
Common Names:
Cigar Plant ,Hummingbird Plant
Native To:
North America, Central America, and South America
Plant Type:
Annuals
Foliage Type:
Semi-Evergreen,Deciduous,Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
8 -11
Flower Color:
Flower Bloom Time:
Late spring to fall
Growth Habit:
Clumping,Columnar,Spreading,Upright,Mounded,Trailing
Attracts:
Bees,Hummingbirds,Butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought,Heat,Humidity
Resists:
Deer,Rabbits,Voles,Voles,Moles,Diseases,Pests
How To Use Cuphea In The Garden
Cupheas offer unique, bold blooms in red, orange, purple, and white. These blooms often have unique shapes, with some species resembling tiny bat faces or cigars, adding an element of intrigue to any garden. Beyond their visual appeal, Cupheas are known to attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies, making them a delightful addition for nature enthusiasts.
Group Cuphea near salvias or lantanas to entice hummingbirds and butterflies in a sunny border or pollinator bed. Pair them with ornamental grasses for textural contrast or tuck them into containers alongside trailing annuals for added color. Lower-growing varieties are great for edging walkways or garden paths to highlight their unique flowers and allow closer viewing. In climates with winter frosts, shift container-grown plants indoors or mix Cuphea into a tropical setting with cannas and elephant ears for a lush, temporary summer display.
Cuphea Care
Plant Cuphea in well-draining soil with a neutral pH, ensuring the location receives full sun for optimal growth. Water regularly during establishment; once mature, the plant exhibits drought tolerance. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly from April to August to support continuous flowering.
Pruning is minimal, as Cuphea is self-cleaning and doesn't require deadheading. To maintain a bushy form, pinch the tips of new branches in early spring. In regions outside its hardiness zone, consider taking softwood cuttings before winter or moving the plant indoors to a bright, indirect light location.
Learn More About Cuphea
