Flamenco Cha Cha Cuphea Plant

Flamenco Cha Cha Cuphea (Cuphea llavea) is a vibrant, eye-catching variety offering a lively display of color and movement in the garden. This compact, mounding plant features an abundance of small, tubular flowers in a fiery blend of red and purple, each adorned with two elongated petals that dance in the breeze like a flamenco dancer's skirt.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in spring after the last frost date
• - Space plants 12-18 inches apart
• - Ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or as a colorful border plant
• - Typically grows 12-18 inches tall and 18-24 inches wide

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• - Well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter

Watering Specifics:

• - 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:

• - Minimal pruning required; Flamenco Cha Cha has a naturally compact, mounding habit
• - Pinch back young plants to encourage bushiness
• - Trim lightly if plants become leggy
• - Deadheading is not necessary as it's self-cleaning

Additional Pest Management:

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

Blooming Indicators:

• - Produces an abundance of small, tubular flowers
• - Blooms continuously from spring through fall
• - Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies

Light Requirements:

• - Prefers full sun for best flowering
• - Can tolerate partial shade, but may reduce flower production

Temperature Tolerance:

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

Companion Plants for Flamenco Cha Cha Cuphea:

• - Calibrachoa: Offers similar small flowers in a variety of complementary colors
• - Petunias: Provides larger flowers that contrast with Cuphea's small blooms
• - Verbena: Adds complementary colors and a similar growth habit
• - Lantana: Offers contrasting flower clusters and thrives in similar conditions
• - Coleus: Provides colorful foliage to complement Cuphea's vibrant flowers