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Genus Cuphea

Cuphea Cuphea llavea 'Flamenco Samba' Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner
KOO-fee-ah
A large genus of at least 250 species of annuals, perennials, and shrubs from Central and South America, as well as the southeastern U.S. They are grown for their tubular, irregularly shaped flowers which have a long blooming season. Cuphea can be grown as annuals where not hardy. Use as bedding or in a border.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Long blooming, tubular flowers. Sticky foliage. Plants often attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
 Care: In the garden, plant in full sun or partial shade and moderately fertile, well-drained soil. Cuphea benefit from a protected site. They are fairly frost tender. Prune in spring. Indoors, grow in full light and moderate humidity. Protect from strong sun. Tip prune for bushy growth.
 Propagation: Start from seed indoors at 55-61°F in early spring or sow in the garden in late spring. Perennials may be propagated by division or cuttings in late spring using bottom heat.
 Problems: Root rot, stem galls, dieback, powdery mildew, and leaf spots are fairly common. Whiteflies and aphids can also be problems.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Cuphea

Cuphea llavea Flamenco Samba™ Cuphea llavea Flamenco Samba™
(Bat-faced cuphea) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This bold-colored cuphea is a compact, mounding subshrub covered with dark-centered, cherry red blooms centered with a deep purple throat and slightly ruffled petal edges. Flowers are larger than those of the species. This sun-loving plant can reach up to 3 feet in height and width.
Cuphea llavea Totally Tempted™ Cuphea llavea Totally Tempted™
(Totally Tempted™ cuphea) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Totally Tempted™ cuphea has nonstop, bright red summer flowers that don't need deadheading. It doesn't mind summer heat and has a more compact habit than most cultivars in this species, growing to just a foot tall and a little wider.
no image available Cuphea micropetala
(Cigar plant) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This tireless bloomer is best known for its small, tubular flowers, each colored in vivid orange hues and tipped with white, like the ash on a glowing cigar. Each plant creates a mass of slender branches with lance-shaped, mid-green leaves. At the tip of the branches are fireworks bursts of unusual cigarlike flowers, each 1-1/4 inches long and softly hairy. Though the flowers look orangey, they are actually colored red and shaded with green-yellow.