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Cuphea llavea (Bat-Faced Cuphea)

Bat-Faced Cuphea, Red Cuphea, Cuphea

Cuphea llavea, Red Cuphea, Red Flowers
Cuphea 'David Verity', Large Firecracker Plant 'David Verity', David Verity Cuphea, Orange Firecracker, Orange Cuphea, Orange Flowers

Noted for its unique flower shape, Cuphea llavea (Bat-Faced Cuphea) is a fast-growing, densely branched, evergreen sub-shrub boasting masses of tubular flowers, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), adorned with a pair of red ear-like petals and a purple calyx. They are said to resemble the face of a bat, hence the common name. Blooming in the leaf axils from late spring to the first frosts, the blossoms are rich in nectar and are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. This Cuphea has a rounded habit and the pretty foliage of pointed, ovate, dark green leaves remains fresh all season. Easy to grow, heat tolerant, and disease resistant, it is a terrific addition to sunny garden beds, along the edges of borders or paths, or in containers and hanging baskets. It makes also a wonderful annual or houseplant in cooler climates and a real conversation piece!

  • Grows up to 18-30 in. tall (45-75 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
  • Thrives in full sun or light shade in medium moisture, well-drained soils. This plant also tolerates some dry conditions but performs best with regular moisture.
  • No deadheading is necessary. Will do best if fertilized on a regular basis.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Plants may be propagated by tip cuttings. Pinch back or shear if plants become too leggy later in the growing season.
  • Native to Mexico

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 12
Climate Zones 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Houseplants, Shrubs
Plant Family Lythraceae
Genus Cuphea
Common names Red Cuphea, Cuphea
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Pathways, Beds And Borders, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cuphea ‘Starfire Pink’ (Cigar Plant)
Cuphea ignea (Cigar Flower)
Cuphea ‘Vermillionaire’ (Large Firecracker Plant)
Cuphea ‘David Verity’ (Large Firecracker Plant)

Recommended Companion Plants

Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’ (Taro)
Canna ‘Phasion’ (Canna Lily)
Achillea ‘Moonshine’ (Yarrow)
Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 12
Climate Zones 11, 12, 13, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Houseplants, Shrubs
Plant Family Lythraceae
Genus Cuphea
Common names Red Cuphea, Cuphea
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 3'
(30cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36"
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Pathways, Beds And Borders, Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Cuphea to pick?
Compare Now

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