Cuphea (Cuphea spp.)


Cuphea Plant Features

Talk about summer color! Cuphea produces fiery hot blooms all summer long. This Mexican native works well as a bedding plant or in mixed containers with annual bloomers. Throughout most of the country, cuphea is grown as an annual, but in frost-free regions it is perennial in nature. Cuphea forms a busy mound layered with nectar-rich flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant offers excellent heat and drought tolerance, making it a wonderful choice for first-time gardeners.

Cuphea Questions?
Email us and one of our flower gardening experts will get back to you.

Cuphea Growing Instructions

Cuphea loves hot, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. In fact, cuphea will rot if it stays wet too long so don't force it to grow in mucky soil. The plants will tolerate light shade, but won't flower as well and may grow a bit tall and lanky. In the North, you can move potted cuphea indoors in the fall and grow it in a sunny window as a houseplant.

Cuphea is not intended for human or animal consumption.
  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Orange

    Red

    Yellow

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Attracts hummingbirds

    Super-easy to grow


Complement your Cuphea

Cosmos
Sun-loving Cosmos makes a good partner for Cuphea.

Marigold
The bright colors of Marigold pair perfectly with the equally bold blooms of Cuphea.


Our favorite varieties

Vermillionaire Cuphea

Vermillionaire Cuphea

Cuphea 'Vermillionaire'

A top performer in our Trial Gardens, Vermillionaire bloomed nonstop, no matter how hot and humid the weather was. It showed off tube-shaped orange flowers on a 30-inch-tall plant that grows 18 inches wide. In most areas, it's grown as an annual, but it can be treated as a sun-loving perennial in Zones 9-10

Flamenco Samba Cuphea

Flamenco Samba Cuphea

Cuphea llavea 'Flamenco Samba'

This drought-tolerant flower loves heat -- it flowers all summer long and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies with its distinctive rich red flowers. It grows 18 inches tall and wide.