Plant Guide

Cuphea llavea

• Common Name

  Bat-faced Cuphea
• CA Native

  Non-native
• Plant Type

  Perennial
• Size

  18" - 24" x 24"
• Flower Color

  Red and Purple
• Bloom Time

  • Constant
• Leaves

  Small, Fuzzy Green
• Evergreen

  Evergreen
• Deer Resistant

  Seldom Damaged
• Wildlife Value

  • Attracts Beneficial Insects
  • Hummingbirds
• Growth Rate

  Moderate
• Hardiness

  Hardy
• Adverse Growth Factors

  None
• Special Features

  • Fall Color
  • Low Maintenance
  • Showy Flowers
• Water Use

  • Drought Tolerant
  • Low
• Soil pH

  6.5-7.5 (neutral)
• Exposure

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Shade
  • Shade
• Soil Type

  Not Particular
• Drainage

  Well Drained
• Description and Cultural Plant Tips

  Cupheas bloom nonstop all year round in most Marin locations. Will die to the ground in areas that get hard frosts but will grow from roots the following spring. This mounding sub-shrub has masses of 1" long red and purple flowers. The tubes are lipped with 2 upward facing pedals that resemble ears and the purple tips resemble the face of a bat. Plant behind yellow Coreopsis grandiflora 'Early Sunrise' , yellow or pink lantana or with yellow daylilies.

  Plant slightly higher than soil grade in well-drained soil. Likes it sunny and hot. Very easy to grow. Is heat and drought tolerant. Can be trimmed to give it a more compact shape.

  Hummingbirds love this plant.

  No diseases or pest problems.

• Master Gardener Comments

  I have this plant in a large container on my deck. It gets afternoon sun and blooms nonstop all year round. A great conversation piece. Children love the little bat faces.

• Varietals

  C. llavea 'Caribbean Sunset' - yellow and orange flowers

  C. llavea 'Flamenco Samba' - cherry red with purple throat

  C. llavea 'Flamenco Tango' - pink and violet flowers