Bat-Faced Cuphea

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Bat-Faced Cuphea

​Cuphea llavea

• ​Common name: Bat-faced cuphea, Cuphea, St. Peter’s plant, Tiny Mice, Bunny Ears
  
• Scientific name: Cuphea llavea
  
• Family name: Lythraceae
  
• Origin: Mexico
  
• Height: 18-30 inches
  
• Width: 24-36 inches
  
• Growth: Moderate
  
• Zone: 8a-11
  
• Light needs: Full sun
  
• Salt tolerance: Moderate
  
• Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers well-drained, moist soil with a neutral pH (pH 6.6 - 7.3)
  
• Moisture: Moderate water needs – should be watered regularly, but not overwatered
  
• Drought tolerance: High
  
• Pests/diseases: Aphids, white flies, and powdery mildew may be a problem; otherwise, Bat-Faced cuphea is not very susceptible to pests/diseases
  
• Growing conditions: Best grown in an open, sunny area with well-drained, moist soil. It is a low-maintenance plant, and able to survive in dry conditions. It can be planted in a container or directly in the ground.
  
• Characteristics: Leaves are simple, ovate, 1-3 inches long, and hairy. Leaves grow decussate along the stems. Stems are yellow-green and flexible. Flowers are tubular and grow in small clusters near the ends of stems. The flowers are bright red and purple, and the petals are arranged in a way that resembles a bat’s face.
  
• Propagation: By seeds or by stem cuttings
  
• Wildlife: Flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies, bees, moths, and hummingbirds
  
• Facts: There are several cultivars of this plant, such as “Torpedo” and “Flamenco”, that produce even larger flowers, or even magenta flowers instead of red and purple ones.
  
• Designer considerations: Great as a border plant, walkway plant, or for mass plantings. Its attractiveness to pollinators makes it a good choice for a butterfly garden or hummingbird garden.