Cultivating Cuphea: Tips for Planting and Growing These Colorful Flowers

Lynn McAlpine has devoted her life to gardening and has been editing gardening and home articles for a considerable period of time, both in print and online. She is skilled in managing various gardening aspects such as annuals and perennials beds, vegetable gardens, herbs, houseplants, and woodland management. Lynn holds a B.A. in Journalism, Magazine Production from the University of Memphis and is affiliated with ACES; the American Copy Editors Society.

Cuphea is an annual plant that requires minimal effort to maintain and produces flowers from late spring until frost without the need for deadheading. It can also be grown as a perennial in areas without frost. Despite its small size, Cuphea’s dense habit makes it an excellent addition to mixed containers and garden plantings without overpowering other plants. This plant attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators and comes in 250 different species. In recent years, new varieties have been introduced that produce larger, showier flowers with the same heat tolerance and longevity as before.

To grow cuphea, it needs hot, sunny days and well-drained soil, but in particularly hot and dry conditions, it can benefit from some afternoon shade. The plant is also suitable for gardens, warm climates, and pollinator gardens, and it can be grown indoors as a houseplant in cold areas. Plant cuphea nursery plants in early spring outside in well-draining soil, watering them thoroughly and spacing them 10 to 18 inches apart depending on the variety.

Cuphea prefers full sun to promote the most blooms and well-drained soil with consistent moisture throughout the growing season. It is native to the Americas and thrives in the heat of summer while tolerating humidity and drought. Regular fertilization with water-soluble fertilizer throughout the summer produces the best and most consistent display. Occasional pruning or pinching back in late spring encourages new growth and maintains the plant’s appearance.

Cuphea is generally pest-resistant, but Japanese beetles, whiteflies, and aphids can occasionally affect the plant. Propagation can occur through seed planting outdoors in spring or indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost, or through stem cuttings in the spring or fall. Cuphea comes in various colors, shapes, and flower sizes, featuring shades of orange, bright yellow, red, white, purple, and neon pink. Its flowers can resemble mice or bats up close, giving it the common names mouse flower and bat flower.

Meet Denny Schrock’s Cuphea ignea, also known as the Candy Corn Plant. This delightful plant features tube-shaped orange flowers that bloom throughout the summer, standing tall on 36-inch-tall stems. If you’re looking for a colorful addition to your garden, ‘David Verity’ is the perfect choice!

If you’re looking for a unique and eye-catching addition to your garden, consider the Cuphea micropetala, also known as the candy corn plant. With tall stems that can reach up to three feet in height and width, this Mexican species boasts vibrant yellow and orange flowers that are a favorite among hummingbirds. This plant thrives in zones 7-10 and is sure to add some lively color to your outdoor space. Another great option is the ‘Flamenco Samba’ Cuphea, which offers similar beautiful blooms.

Denny Schrock shares that the Cuphea llavea ‘Flamenco Samba’ is a stunning plant with deep red flowers boasting large and eye-catching petals that bloom continuously throughout the season. It thrives best in Zones 9-10 and is commonly known as the Mexican Heather.

Scott Little has shared that Cuphea hyssopifolia is a plant that produces beautiful lavender-pink flowers on tall 24-inch stems. Additionally, he has mentioned the variety ‘Tiny Mice’ Mouse Flower.

Meet Andrew Drake, the Cuphea llavea ‘Tiny Mice’ enthusiast who enjoys the crimson-red flowers that bloom on his 18-inch-tall plants. Another variety he loves is the ‘Minnie Mouse’ Cuphea.

Meet Lynn Karlin, a plant enthusiast who is excited about the latest addition to her garden – Cuphea ‘Minnie Mouse’. This particular variety of plant boasts beautiful orange and purple flowers that bloom on a plant that can grow up to three feet tall. Lynn is also a fan of ‘Vermillionaire’ Cuphea, another stunning plant that she loves to showcase in her garden.

Blaine Moats introduces the vibrant ‘Vermillionaire’ Cuphea, which showcases a multitude of yellow-orange blossoms that bloom continuously throughout the season, creating a stunning visual display. This plant is suitable for zones 8-11. Additionally, the ‘Totally Tempted’ Mouse Flower is another option worth considering.

Meet Peter Krumhardt, an expert in gardening. He recommends Cuphea llavea ‘Totally Tempted’ for its beautiful crimson-pink flowers that bloom on small plants that are 12 inches tall. To add some variety to your garden, Peter suggests pairing the Cuphea with Crossandra, a great companion plant.

If you decide to cultivate the tropical plant, Lantana, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful plant is often overlooked and underestimated, but it’s a real showstopper in sunny areas. With its frilly, orange or yellow flowers and glossy, dark green leaves, Lantana is sure to turn heads and spark curiosity. It’s also versatile, as it can be grown both outdoors and as an indoor plant. When winter approaches, simply bring it indoors and watch it continue to bloom with enough sunlight. Get ready for lots of compliments and questions once you add this underappreciated gem to your garden!

Looking for a low-maintenance plant that can survive in hot and dry conditions? Look no further than the lantana! This versatile plant not only thrives in full sun, but also produces a plethora of brightly-colored flowers all summer and fall. Best of all, it’s a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to any garden. Whether you choose to grow it in a container or as an indoor plant, the lantana is sure to brighten up your space. And if you live in a frost-free climate (Zones 9-11), it even makes a great groundcover.

Are you looking for a fun way to attract butterflies to your garden? Look no further than the Mexican sunflower! Simply plant the seeds directly in the ground and watch as it quickly grows up to 5 feet tall with lush foliage and stunning flowers in sunset hues that are irresistible to butterflies. To add height and drama to your garden, plant a cluster of these beauties in the back of the border. Just be sure to stake them if needed to keep them upright. Remember to wait until all danger of frost has passed and plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.