Bat Face Cuphea Plant

Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea llavea), is an eye-catching, unique plant that adds a touch of whimsy and intrigue to any garden. Native to Mexico, this compact, mounding plant features an abundance of small, tubular flowers in a vibrant shade of deep purple or red, each adorned with two elongated petals resembling the face of a bat or the ears of a mouse or bunny. Not only does this plant offer a captivating appearance, but it also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden, providing a source of nectar for these beautiful creatures. The tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for hummingbirds to access, making Bat Face Cuphea an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 18-24 inches apart
• - Ideal for containers, borders, or as a colorful accent plant
• - Typically grows 18-24 inches tall and wide

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline)
• - Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter

Watering Specifics:

• - Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• - Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
• - More drought-tolerant than many annuals once established
• - Container plants may require more frequent watering

Fertilizer Type:

• - Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring
• - Apply a water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks during the growing season

Pruning and Training:

• - Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness
• - Trim lightly if plants become leggy
• - Deadheading is not necessary as it's self-cleaning
• - Can be cut back by one-third in mid-summer to rejuvenate growth

Additional Pest Management:

• - Generally pest-resistant, but watch for aphids and whiteflies

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces unique flowers resembling bat faces
• - Flowers have red tubular bases with purple "ears" and white "whiskers"
• - Blooms continuously from spring through fall

Light Requirements:

• - Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering
• - Can tolerate afternoon shade in hot climates

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Excellent heat tolerance, perfect for summer gardens
• - Can tolerate light frost, but protect when temperatures drop below 40°F

Companion Plants for Bat Face Cuphea:

• - Salvia: Offers vertical interest and attracts pollinators like Cuphea
• - Lantana: Provides complementary colors and thrives in similar conditions
• - Gomphrena: Adds globe-shaped flowers that contrast with Cuphea's unique blooms
• - Angelonia: Provides vertical interest with similar heat tolerance
• - Coleus: Offers colorful foliage to complement Cuphea's flowers