Information About Bat Face Plant

This fast growing tender broadleaf evergreen sub-shrub native to Mexico is sold as an annual or houseplant in cooler climates, sometimes under the synonym C. blepharophylla. It is often a conversation plant due to its unique flower shape. The flowers of Cuphea llavea resemble a purple bat “face” with red petal “ears”.

Is bat face a perennial?
How do you propagate bat face cuphea?
How do you take care of Cuphea?
Is bat face cuphea deer resistant?
Do hummingbirds like bat face cuphea?
Can Cuphea grow in shade?
Can you grow bat plants from seed?
How often should I water Cuphea?
How do you grow Vermillionaire?
Can I trim Cuphea?
Will deer eat Cuphea?
Is Cuphea native to Florida?
Is false heather deer resistant?

Is bat face a perennial?

Cuphea is perennial only in the warm climates of USDA plant hardiness zone 10 and above, but you can grow the plant as an annual if you live in a cooler climate.

How do you propagate bat face cuphea?

Bat-face cupheas are easy to propagate with short tip cuttings in late spring or early summer or seed head/pod collection when flowers fade. If you choose to use seeds, for best results, start to dry cuphea seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost.

How do you take care of Cuphea?

To keep your cuphea plants flowering vigorously all season, fertilize them regularly with a water-soluble fertilizer, or once in the spring with a slow-release granular fertilizer. Potted plants may need more frequent applications.

Is bat face cuphea deer resistant?

Had I known they would get THAT happy, I'd have found them a spot further back in the bed! One little surviving bat-faced cuphea. I planted them amongst many other things that are deer resistant, hoping to hide them. ... A few new additions to the front walkway bed this year, the foxtail ferns and zinnias have done well.

Do hummingbirds like bat face cuphea?

Bat-faced cuphea flowers are visited by hummingbirds and other pollinators. Bat-faced cuphea begins blooming in late spring and continues until frost, producing clusters of numerous flowers in the leaf axils. ... Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.

Can Cuphea grow in shade?

Once this plant is established, it can tolerate drought and continue to impress with its large number of flowers. Fertilize cuphea regularly throughout the summer for the best, biggest, and most consistent display. Although some varieties may tolerate part shade, this annual likes full sun best.

Can you grow bat plants from seed?

The first step in growing bat flowers from seed is to acquire a mature seed pod. Pods should be allowed to mature and dry right on the plant for the best chance of germination. Use a good potting soil that has been pre-moistened and plant seeds in a 2-inch (5 cm.) pot so they don't need to be moved right away.

How often should I water Cuphea?

Water once or twice per week, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist. Once established, the plant may no longer require frequent watering, and it even becomes tolerant to drought. Use organic fertilizer to promote fuller, healthy growth.

How do you grow Vermillionaire?

Plant Needs

Vermillionaire^®, like all Cuphea is a heat lover and will do best in warm gardens with bright light. Always keep this plant in full sun for best flowering and to avoid it stretching in the shade. Keep moist throughout the growing season, regular fertilizing will keep it full and constantly flowering.

Can I trim Cuphea?

You should prune your Cuphea so that it stays neat; it is also a pretty rapid grower so if you select one that is too large for the area you'll need to keep up on it to keep it contained. You can also prune it back to the ground to promote healthy, new growth. So prune hard in early spring and late fall to shape.

Will deer eat Cuphea?

Cupheas are perennials that produce bright orange, red, yellow or purple flowers all summer and fall. Some species are called cigar plants due to their tubular, cigar shaped flowers tipped in red or yellow (like a lit cigar). They are not truly deer resistant, yet reports suggest cupheas are not favored by deer.

Is Cuphea native to Florida?

Cuphea aspera (Florida waxweed) | Native Plants of North America.

Is false heather deer resistant?

In addition to these traits, Heather is also resistant to the devastating effects of deer. Blooms yellow flowers from May to November and requires no supplemental water. Deer-Resistant Plants for Shade.