The Complete Guide to Growing Bat Face Cuphea Plants Outdoors

Bat face cuphea also known by its scientific name Cuphea llavea is a gorgeous flowering plant that thrives when grown outdoors. With its unique flowers that resemble bats in flight, it’s an eye-catching addition to any garden. Growing bat face cuphea is easy and rewarding if you follow some basic guidelines.

Overview of Bat Face Cuphea

Native to Mexico and Central America, bat face cuphea is a tender perennial plant that can be grown as an annual in colder climates. Here are some key facts about this plant

• Grows 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. Has a mounded, spreading habit.

• Features long, tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, orange, yellow or white that resemble bats with wings spread in flight. Blooms spring to frost.

• Thrives in hot, sunny locations. Prefers well-drained soil. Tolerates drought once established.

• Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. Deer resistant.

• Can be grown in containers or planted directly in garden beds. Great for borders, beds, and mixed containers.

Growing Conditions for Bat Face Cuphea

When growing bat face cuphea, choose a site with these conditions for best results:

• Full Sun: Bat face cuphea thrives in full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Morning sun is essential. Partial shade will reduce flowering.

• Soil: Plant in rich, well-draining soil. Amend clay soils with compost or peat moss to improve drainage. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH.

• Temperature: Grow as an annual in zones 8-11 where temperatures don’t drop below 10°F. In zones 9-11, it may survive winters if protected from frost. Prefers warm weather, above 70°F.

• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Established plants have some drought tolerance but bloom best with regular water. In containers, don’t let soil dry out completely.

• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. When grown in containers, fertilize more frequently.

How to Plant Bat Face Cuphea

Bat face cuphea is easy to grow from nursery starts or seed. Follow these tips for successful planting:

• When to Plant: Plant nursery starts after the last frost date when soil is warm, or start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Harden off seedlings before transplanting.

• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in garden beds. Allow 18-24 inches between containers.

• Planting Depth: Set starts at the same level they were growing in the pot. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep.

• Transplanting: Gently loosen roots before transplanting to encourage spreading. Handle seedlings carefully to avoid damage.

• Hardening Off: Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting. Bring plants indoors at night and increase sun exposure hourly over the hardening off period.

• Companion Plants: Grow with pentas, zinnias, salvias, verbena, or lantana for non-stop color. Pair with coral honeysuckle, lantana ‘Gold Mound’ or purple heart for complementary colors.

Caring for Bat Face Cuphea

With proper care, bat face cuphea will thrive and flower abundantly from spring until frost:

• Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Established plants tolerate some drought. Avoid wet foliage. Water at soil level.

• Fertilizer: Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growth and flowering. Use half strength to avoid burn.

• Pruning: Prune lightly in spring to shape and remove dead stems. Pinch tips during the season to encourage bushy, compact growth. Avoid heavy pruning.

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming until frost.

• Staking: Support tall or floppy stems with pea stakes or small trellises if needed.

• Winter Care: In zone 8-11 where it’s perennial, cut stems back in fall after frost. Mulch roots if temperatures drop below 30°F.

• Pest/Diseases: Watch for aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Avoid wet foliage to prevent powdery mildew. Deer resistant.

• Propagation: Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings in summer. Root in moist potting mix. Seeds germinate in 10-20 days at 70°F.

Tips for Growing Bat Face Cuphea in Containers

With its compact size and prolific flowers, bat face cuphea is an excellent plant for containers. Follow these tips:

• Use a quality potting mix and provide drainage holes. Add slow release fertilizer to the soil.

• Select a container at least 10-12 inches wide and deep. Cuphea has a spreading, mounding habit.

• Provide support with plant cages or trellises for floppy growth.

• Situate containers in full sun locations. Rotate occasionally for even sun exposure.

• Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. May need daily watering in hot weather.

• Fertilize containers every 2-4 weeks during summer with diluted liquid fertilizer.

• Prune back and shape plants as needed to encourage bushy growth. Pinch off spent flowers.

• Move containers to a protected area if temperatures drop below 45°F.

How to Grow Bat Face Cuphea from Seed

Growing bat face cuphea from seed is rewarding and cost effective. Here are some tips:

• Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last spring frost date. Plant in seed starting mix.

• Cover seeds lightly with 1/4 inch of soil. Keep moist and warm (70-75°F) until germination.

• Thin seedlings or transplant into cell packs 2-3 inches apart when 2 sets of true leaves appear.

• Harden off before transplanting into the garden after all danger of frost. Gradually expose to sun and weather.

• Transplant seedlings 12-15 inches apart into garden beds or containers when soil is warm.

• Pinch growing tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall to encourage bushy growth.

• Deadhead spent flowers and prune lightly to promote flowering until frost.

• Collect seeds at end of season for planting the following spring. Dry and store in sealed packets in a cool location over winter.

Tips for Overwintering Bat Face Cuphea

In zones 9-11, bat face cuphea may survive winters if given some protection:

• Cut back plants by 1/3 in fall after first frost. Mulch roots to insulate.

• Provide shelter from wind, which can desiccate and damage plants. Put up screens or row covers.

• Water occasionally if winter is dry. Check soil moisture and water if top few inches become dry.

• Cover with loose mulch, leaves or evergreen branches if temperatures drop below 30° degrees F.

• Prune back any dead stems in early spring. Fertilize with balanced fertilizer to encourage new growth.

• Move containers to protected areas like garages or under overhangs to shield from frost.

With its easy care nature and weeks of colorful blooms, bat face cuphea is a fun, rewarding annual or short-lived perennial. By following these growing tips, you’ll have great success with this exotic looking plant. Soon your garden will be abuzz with beautiful bat-faced blossoms!