Monday, April 6, 2015

Cuphea

Cuphea
A genus of perennials and small shrubs that are part of the Lythraceae family.

Cuphea hyssopifolia ( Mexican Heather )
A moderate growing, rounded, evergreen shrubby perennial, reaching up to 3 x 7 ( rarely over 2 x 2.7 outside tropics ) feet in size. It is native from Mexico to Guatemala.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 1 inch in length, are deep green.
The purplish-pink ( rarely white ) flowers are borne on short axilliary racemes during summer, lasting well into autumn.
Hardy zones 9 to 12 ( reports of 8, often used much further north as annual ) in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile. well drained soil. It is extremely heat tolerant. Propagation is from seed or stem-tip cuttings.

* photo taken on July 21 2012 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Oct 28 2021 in Laurel, MD

* photo taken on Aug 1 2022 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD


Cuphea ignea ( Firecracker Plant )
Also called Cigar Flower. A fast growing, bushy, evergreen perennial ( annual in cooler climates ), reaching up to 3.5 x 3 ( rarely over 3 ) feet. It is native to Jamaica and Mexico.
The pointed-oval leaves, up to 3 inches in length, are bright green. The orange-red, tubular flowers, up to 1 inch in length, are borne late spring through autumn. In tropical climates, the flowers may appear throughout the year.
Hardy zones 9b to 12 ( tolerating as low as 20 F ) in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil. Occasionally pinch the stem tips if a more compact habit is desired. Propagation is from seed or stem-tip cuttings.

* photos taken on Aug 25 2014 @ U.S. Botanical Gardens, Washington, DC


'David's Variety'
Larger in size, reaching up to 4 x 3 feet.
The leaves and the yellowish-orange flowers are also larger.
Hardy zones 8b +. It is tougher in hot dry climates. Propagation is from stem-tip cuttings.

* photo taken on Aug 25 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Washington, DC

* photo taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Washington, DC


Cuphea micropetala
A rounded shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 5 feet, that is native to Mexico.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 7 inches in length, are bright green.
The golden-yellow to orangish-red, tubular flowers, up to 2 inches in length, are borne on terminal racemes all summer long lasting well into autumn.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 ( it may be root hardy to 10 F ) in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil. Cut back during late winter. Propagation is from seed or stem-tip cuttings.

3 comments:

  1. It’s quite Interesting post! Thanks for writing this for us; I’ll share this with my friends too.
    landscaper Novato

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lots of Good information in your post, I favorited your blog post so I can visit again in the future, Thanks.
    landscape trees

    ReplyDelete
  3. The cuphea looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing this interesting post, will visit again for new posts. Try visiting athelasplants.co.uk for more variety of shrubs and other plants.
    Buy Plants Online in Sussex

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.