How to Identify Bat Faced Cuphea Plant Varieties

I study landscape ecology and through my studies have discovered a love for plants. Plants are not only beautiful, but also have countless fascinating survival strategies. To bring a bit of nature into my home as well, I nurture my houseplants and herbs on every possible windowsill. Favourite fruit: rhubarb and all kinds of berries Favourite vegetables: onions and garlic

Cuphea is a truly diverse genus of plant and many of these plants have impressive, uniquely shaped flowers. It is even possible to grow some species in the UK as ornamental garden plants or even as houseplants.

While false heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) is probably the most well known type of Cuphea plant, the cigar plant or firecracker plant (Cuphea ignea) and the bat-faced cuphea (Cuphea llavea) are also popular varieties. These unusual names are often accompanied by equally unique flowers. Read on to discover some of the most popular Cuphea varieties as well as tips on how to grow and care for these bee-friendly flowering plants.

Bat faced cuphea, also known as Cuphea llavea, is a popular ornamental plant known for its unique bat shaped flowers. With over 260 Cuphea species and many cultivated varieties, identifying the different types of bat faced cuphea can be tricky. This guide will walk you through the key features to look for when identifying bat faced cuphea plant varieties.

Examine the Flowers

The most distinctive part of a bat faced cuphea is the flower Examining the flowers closely is the best way to identify the different varieties. Here’s what to look for

Flower color – The original species has dark purple and red flowers, but cultivated varieties come in many colors like bright red, orange, pink, white and lavender
Flower shape – All bat faced cuphea flowers have a tubular calyx (the outer part of the flower) and two upper petals that stick up like bat ears. But some varieties have larger, more open flowers with 4 extra developed petals along with the two “bat ear” petals.
Flower size – Flower size can range from 1 inch long in original species to over 1.5 inches in larger flowering cultivars.
Calyx texture – The tubular calyx is hairy in the natural species but may be smooth in some cultivated varieties.

So pay close attention to the flower color, shape, size and texture when identifying different bat faced cuphea types.

Look at Plant Size and Shape

Beyond the flowers, the overall plant size and shape can also help distinguish bat faced cuphea varieties:

Plant height – Ranges from 10 inches to 30 inches tall depending on variety. Dwarf types grow under 1 foot tall.
Plant width – Typically similar spread to height, around 1-3 feet wide. Compact varieties have a smaller spread.
Growth habit – Original species has a rounded, bushy shape. Some cultivars have a more upright or sprawling habit.
Branching – Level of branching affects the plant’s fullness. More highly branched varieties appear very full.

So take note of the plant’s stature, spread, growth habit and branching when identifying the type of bat faced cuphea. Compact, dwarf varieties tend to be under 1 foot tall and wide while larger varieties can reach 2-3 feet tall and wide.

Examine the Leaves

The leaves can also show some slight differences between bat faced cuphea varieties:

Leaf shape – The normal shape is ovate (egg shaped) with a pointed tip. But a few varieties may have slightly different shaped leaves.
Leaf size – Typically 1-3 inches long, but some varieties may have slightly larger or smaller leaves.
Leaf texture – Leaves are normally sandpapery with visible hairs. Smooth-leaved varieties exist too.
Leaf arrangement – Alternate along the stem in all varieties.

While the leaves do not show major differences between varieties, subtle variations in size, shape and texture can help confirm the identification.

Know Where It Originates From

Knowing where a particular bat faced cuphea variety originated from can provide more clues to properly identify it:

Species native range – The original Cuphea llavea species is native to Mexico and Central America. Varieties bred from this species type are likely to resemble it closely.
Hybrid origins – Some varieties are hybrids bred from crossing C. llavea with other Cuphea species. These tend to have more unique features like different flower shapes and colors.
Cultivar origins – Popular bat faced cuphea cultivars were developed by plant breeders in the United States, Europe, Australia or Asia. Those bred for certain climates may perform differently than Mexican species types.

So learning about each variety’s country of origin and breeding background gives more context for identifying key features and growth habits.

Consult Resources for Identification

If you need help identifying a specific bat faced cuphea plant, consult some online and print resources:

Online databases – Websites like the Missouri Botanic Garden’s Plant Finder have photos and descriptions to identify varieties.
Nursery sites – Sites selling bat faced cuphea plants describe details on the varieties they offer.
Books – Flower gardening guides and reference books may include entries on popular bat faced cuphea varieties.
Mobile apps – Plant identification apps like PictureThis can help identify different varieties from photos.
Extension offices – Local county extension offices may help identify more obscure varieties in their distribution area.

With so many bat faced cuphea varieties grown as ornamentals, it can take some detective work to identify unfamiliar types. But by carefully inspecting the flowers, plant size and shape, leaf characteristics and place of origin, you can pin down the exact variety for proper care and performance. Reach out to reputable online and local resources when you need more help making a definitive ID.