The Stages of Growth for Bat Faced Cuphea Plants

The bat faced cuphea (Cuphea llavea) is a remarkably unique flowering plant known for its tubular flowers that resemble the face of a bat. With its velvety foliage and continuous blooming from late spring to fall, this heat-loving plant makes a great addition to gardens in warm climates. Understanding the stages of growth for bat faced cuphea will help ensure successful cultivation of this eye-catching plant.

Seed Germination

Bat faced cuphea is commonly grown from seed. The small lentil-shaped seeds are sown directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed. For earlier blooms start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last expected spring frost.

The seeds require light to germinate so should be pressed into the soil surface and lightly covered with peat moss or vermiculite. Germination occurs in 7-10 days at temperatures around 70°F. Keep soil moist but not saturated for best results.

Once sprouted, seedlings will form a pair of round cotyledon leaves. True leaves will follow shortly after. Allow 6-8 weeks for seedlings to reach transplant size under bright light. Harden off plants before moving outdoors.

Vegetative Growth

After transplanting or direct sowing, the bat faced cuphea transitions to a stage of rapid vegetative growth. Numerous hairy stems emerge from the central crown, quickly forming a bushy, dense habit

The oval leaves are evergreen meaning they persist year-round in frost-free climates. The foliage is often tinted red or purple when newly emerged maturing to dark green. Leaves may reach 2-3 inches long.

With proper care, bat faced cuphea matures to a height of 18-30 inches and a spread of 12-18 inches. However, when grown as an annual from seed it typically reaches just 12-18 inches tall. Providing ample water, full sun, and regular fertilization will maximize growth potential.

Flowering

Flowering commences in late spring or early summer, once plants are well-established. The tubular flowers are produced at the leaf axils in dense clusters.

What makes them so unique is the highly specialized flower structure. The hairy, purple calyx extends upward like a tube, forming the “face” of the bat. Two bright red petals stick straight up on either side like “ears”. Four tiny vestigial petals make up the lower part of the face.

Blooming starts at the base of the stems and progresses upwards as new growth elongates. Deadheading is not required to encourage reblooming. The plant will continue producing flowers steadily until the first fall frost.

New cultivars offer a range of bloom colors beyond the natural dark purple and red. There are varieties with white, pink, orange, yellow, and bicolored blooms. However, most still retain the distinctive bat-like shape.

Seed Production

As flowers fade, small brown seeds form at the base of each tubular calyx. These seeds can be collected once fully dried on the plant.

For the highest quality seed, allow some flowers to remain past peak bloom. Seeds are lentil-shaped and very small, so take care when harvesting.

If winters are frost-free, bat faced cuphea may self-sow from dropped seeds. These volunteer seedlings can be transplanted to expand your collection. In cold climates, save seeds to start new plants each year. Stored properly in a cool, dry place, seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.

Overwintering

While classified as a tender perennial, bat faced cuphea is treated as an annual in all but the warmest zones (9-11). It can be overwintered indoors in zones 8-11.

Before frost, take cuttings or dig up a few plants to bring inside. Transplant into containers and provide bright, indirect light from a south or west window. Reduce watering to prevent root rot and avoid excess foliage growth.

A minimum winter temperature around 60°F is ideal. The lower the light and temperature, the more foliage the plant will drop until spring. Vigorous regrowth will occur once brought back outside in spring. Mulch heavily to improve survival if attempting to overwinter plants in the ground.

Life Cycle

Understanding the stages of growth allows proper care through the bat faced cuphea’s full life cycle. In frost-free climates, this heat-loving plant will thrive as a short-lived perennial for multiple years.

Grown as an annual, the life cycle is complete in one season: seeds sown in spring, vigorous growth through summer, prolific flowering in fall, and self-sown seeds lying dormant through winter until germinating the following spring.

With its easy-going nature and unusual blossoms, bat faced cuphea offers intrigue to gardens and containers in warm climates. Following its growth habits provides the conditions needed for it to progress successfully through each stage of life. The reward is enjoying its batty blooms from late spring until fall.