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Native to Central America and Mexico, bat face cuphea plant (Cuphea llavea) is named for its interesting little bat-faced blooms of deep purple and bright red. The dense, bright green foliage provides a perfect backdrop for the masses of colorful, nectar-rich flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Bat face cuphea reaches mature heights of 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm.) with a spread of 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm.). Read on for helpful information about growing a bat faced cuphea flower.
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. If you have a bright window, you may be able to bring the plant indoors for the winter.
The bat faced cuphea (Cuphea llavea) is treasured by gardeners for its unique, bat-shaped blooms in vibrant shades. When grown in the right conditions, this tropical perennial will produce an abundance of buds all season long. To enjoy these flowers at their peak for as long as possible, it’s key to know the optimal time and method for harvesting them.
When is the Best Time to Harvest Bat Faced Cuphea Flowers?
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting your bat faced cuphea blooms Here are tips on identifying peak harvest time
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Harvest in the morning after dew has dried for best longevity. The cool of the morning helps flowers stay perkier.
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Choose flowers that are fully open but not yet past their prime Buds that are just beginning to unfurl or half-opened are not ready
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Watch for the first 1-3 rows of petals to reflex backwards when mature. The tubular “mouth” of the flower will open wide.
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Flowers left on the stem longer than 2-3 days will fade, dry out, and lose their appeal.
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Deadhead spent blooms promptly to encourage nonstop flowering.
Paying attention to these visual cues will help you pick your bat faced cuphea at its perfect point for maximum vase life. Time it right for flowers that will last and impress!
What is the Best Method to Harvest Bat Faced Cuphea?
Using proper technique when gathering your bat faced cuphea blooms makes a difference in quality. Follow these tips:
Tools Needed
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Sharp floral snips or pruners
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Clean cutting tool to prevent disease spread
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Small containers for holding harvested stems
Cutting Stems
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Select healthy, robust stems with multiple blooms
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Cut stems at an angle to allow more water uptake
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Use sharp pruners for a clean cut that won’t crush stems
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Leave some foliage to nourish the blooms
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Cut stems to around 6 inches long
Care After Cutting
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Immediately place in water to prevent wilting
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Use a commercial flower preservative
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Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line
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Re-cut stems and refresh water every 2-3 days
Following proper harvest and post-harvest methods will lead to the longest lasting blooms you can enjoy indoors!
How Many Times Can Bat Faced Cuphea be Harvested?
One of the advantages of bat faced cuphea is that when grown in ideal conditions, it will bloom continuously throughout the warm season. With proper harvesting, you can enjoy multiple cuttings:
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In peak season, harvest 1-2 times per week
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Remove any spent or damaged flowers promptly
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Fertilize plants regularly to fuel steady blooming
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Deadhead diligently to prolong flowering
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Allow plants to rest over winter
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In frost-free areas, harvests may continue year round
By sustainably harvesting just a portion of the flowers at a time, you can amass quite a bountiful floral display over a season!
Storing and Displaying Harvested Bat Faced Cuphea
To make the most of your garden-fresh bat faced cuphea bouquets:
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Store freshly cut stems in a cool spot out of direct sun before displaying
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Re-cut stems and change water every 2-3 days
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Remove any flowers or leaves that wilt or fade promptly
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Consider using a flower food or preservative for longer vase life
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Display in a clean vase free of bacteria or mold
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Arrange stems loosely to allow air circulation
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Enjoy bat faced cuphea either solo or paired with filler flowers and foliage
Follow these steps for stunning arrangements that you can admire for up to 2 weeks!
Troubleshooting Common Harvesting Issues
If you notice your harvested bat faced cuphea blooms fading prematurely or wilting unexpectedly, here are some common problems and solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Crushed or damaged stems | Use extremely sharp pruners, avoid pinching stems |
| Wilting quickly | Immediately place in water after cutting, use flower food |
| Botrytis or mold | Sterilize tools between plants, remove damaged tissue |
| Underwatering plants | Boost watering prior to harvest for robust stems |
| Waiting too long | Harvest each bloom at its peak, don’t leave on plant too long |
| Bacterial buildup in water | Change vase water every 2-3 days |
Avoiding these pitfalls will lead to flawless flowers worth showing off!
Using Bat Faced Cuphea Cuttings Beyond Bouquets
The uses for bat faced cuphea extend beyond vase arrangements! You can also:
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Float blooms in bowls or glasses for short-term floral décor
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Use flowers to embellish baked goods like cupcakes and cakes
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Freeze flowers in ice cubes to add to beverages
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Dry or press flowers for long-lasting crafts and décor
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Use blooms and foliage for potpourri
With so many possibilities, a single harvest provides abundant floral material to work with.
Key Takeaways
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Harvest bat faced cuphea blooms in the morning when flowers are newly open
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Use sharp pruners and cut stems at an angle
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Immediately place in water with flower food
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Change water routinely and remove faded blooms
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Deadheading extends the harvest window
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In peak season, harvest 1-2 times per week for optimal quality
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Proper post-harvest care leads to 2 week vase life
Mastering the art of harvesting bat faced cuphea at just the right moment will fill your home with gorgeous, colorful flowers. Follow these tips and techniques for floral arrangements that dazzle!
Growing a Bat Face Cuphea Flower
The easiest way to grow cuphea flowers is to purchase bedding plants at a nursery or garden center. Otherwise, start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last hard frost in your area. Plant bat face cuphea in full sunlight and the plant will reward you with color throughout the season. However, if your climate is extremely hot, a little afternoon shade wont hurt. The soil should be well drained. Dig in a few inches (7.5 cm.) of manure or compost before planting to accommodate cupheas need for rich organic matter.
Bat Face Plant Care
Caring for bat faced plants isnt complicated. Water the plant regularly until the roots are well established. At that point, the plant will do fine with less water and will tolerate occasional periods of drought. Feed cuphea monthly during the growing season, using a high quality, all-purpose fertilizer. Alternatively, provide a slow-release fertilizer in spring. Pinch the stem tips when the plants are 8 to 10 inches (20-25 cm.) tall to create a compact, bushy plant. If you live in a borderline climate of USDA zone 8 or 9, you may be able to overwinter bat face plant by protecting the roots with a layer of mulch – such as dry, chopped leaves or bark chips. The plant may die down, but with protection, it should rebound when temperatures rise in spring.
Bat Face Cuphea Plant (Cuphea llavea) And Cutting Propagation
FAQ
How do you take cuttings from Cuphea?
How do you propagate bat-faced Cuphea?
How to prune bat face Cuphea?
Is bat face Cuphea a perennial or annual?