Don’t you just love unusual plant names? There are species with names like turpentine bush, and of course there’s snake plant and Persian shield, too.
As you might guess, this plant’s sweet little flowers resemble bat faces, with two perfectly colored upper petals that pop up like a bat’s ears, and other little petals that are arranged just so and look like a little bat face.
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Grown as an annual in much of the country, bat-faced cuphea is evergreen to the upper 20s°F and root hardy to the lower 20s°F. In some areas, it will die to the ground and – with heavy mulching – grow back from the roots.
This loose shrub is part of a family of about 115 species, some of which have equally interesting names, such as cigar plant.
The open-pollinated form of the plant displays flowers that are deep purple, white, and red, but newer cultivars are available in a variety of colors. More on those shortly.
While bees, butterflies, and birds may not be fans of the flying mammals, they do indeed favor the nectar of the eponymous plant.
This subshrub begins producing clusters of numerous flowers in late spring, and continues to bloom until frost. It’s native to Mexico and Central America.
Bat-faced cuphea can be propagated from seed or via stem cuttings, or you can transplant nursery starts into the garden.
You can sow cuphea seeds directly in the garden when all danger of frost has passed, or you can start seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last spring frost date.
Scatter seeds on top of soil and sprinkle a light coating of milled peat over them. Don’t completely bury the seeds, as they need light to germinate.
You can propagate cuphea from softwood cuttings. Softwood is a plant stem that is well-developed but not old and woody.
With clean and sharp shears, cut four- to six-inch stems from a healthy plant. Fill small pots with an all-purpose soil mix and insert and remove a pencil to create a hole for the cutting.
Remove the lower leaves from your cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and place in the hole.
Place a plastic dome or clear plastic bag over the pot or pots to create a little terrarium. Put it in bright, indirect light.
If you can find live plants, simply place the root ball into a hole about the same size as the container from which you are transplanting
In many parts of the country, this plant is grown in full sun. In hot zones such as Central Texas and the Arizona desert, however, it needs a little – or even more than a little – shade.
This plant is quite heat- and drought-tolerant, though it might be a bit happier and grow a bit larger with regular watering. It is prone to root rot, so don’t overwater it, especially in heavy clay soils.
Feed in springtime with a slow-release fertilizer, or monthly throughout the growing season with an all-purpose fertilizer.
You can perform some light tip pruning or pinching if plants become too leggy. Additionally, you might want to do a late-winter shape-up, trimming the plant into a nice form.
As we mentioned above, there are several colorful cultivars available commercially. Be aware, however, that with some of these newer varieties, the bat’s face is less obvious in the flower’s form.
You can find packets of 15 seeds of ‘Sriracha Rose’ bat-faced cuphea, which features a rosy-red bloom available via Burpee. This compact plant has large petals with a papery consistency.
Other cultivars include ‘Tiny Mice,’ a small plant that produces flowers with two small red-orange petals.
The bat faced cuphea (Cuphea llavea) is a beloved flowering shrub known for its unique bat-shaped blooms. As winter approaches, these tender tropical plants require some special care to protect them from cold temperatures. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure your cuphea plants survive the winter and return vigorously in spring.
Why Winter Protection is Needed
Native to Mexico and Central America, the bat faced cuphea thrives in warm, frost-free environments. While technically an evergreen perennial, this plant behaves as an annual in colder climates, dying back to the ground with the first hard freeze. Even in USDA zones 9-11 where it remains evergreen, temperatures below 25°F can damage the foliage and buds.
To avoid winter dieback, cuphea plants need protection Taking appropriate steps in fall prepares tender growth and roots for harsh weather ahead With proper care, cuphea will overwinter successfully and resume abundant flowering come spring.
When to Prepare for Winter
Start the winter protection process 6-8 weeks before your area’s first expected frost. This gives plants time to harden off, or acclimate to colder temps. Slowing growth protects tender stems and leaves from damage.
In zones 8-11, prepare cuphea for winter in early to mid fall For zone 7 and below, begin preparations in late summer to early fall Determine your average first frost date and aim to finish winterizing about 1-2 months prior.
Steps for Protecting Bat Faced Cuphea
Follow these key tips to safeguard cuphea through winter
Choose a Sheltered Location
Selecting a warm microclimate gives cuphea the best chance to endure winter. Place pots and plants near heat sources like south-facing walls that absorb warmth from the sun. Avoid cold pockets and areas exposed to harsh winds.
Group container plants together for insulation, and surround in-ground plantings with mulch for added protection. Placing cuphea close to your home’s foundation also takes advantage of radiant heat loss.
Provide Winter Insulation
Insulating the roots, crown, and stems prevents cold damage. Apply 2-4 inches of shredded bark, compost, leaves, or other organic mulch around the base of each plant.
Mound soil or mulch up around the stems as well. This shields the plant crown, where vulnerable young growth emerges. Take care not to bury leaves and stems.
For container plants, wrap the pots in bubble wrap or burlap. Place containers in a sheltered spot and cover the soil surface with mulch too. Styrofoam plant sleeves also help insulate root zones.
Prune Plants Back
Pruning prepares cuphea for winter dormancy by removing tender growth. In mid fall, cut each plant back by about one third its size. This eliminates damage-prone new stems and foliage.
Also remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches. Pruning stimulates new buds near the base for abundant regrowth next season. Disinfect tools between each cut with isopropyl alcohol to avoid spreading disease.
Provide Warmth if Needed
When temperatures plunge below 25°F, extra heating may be necessary. Drape frost cloth or burlap over plants for portable protection during cold snaps.
Low wattage lights strung through plantings add warmth. For container plants, place them in an unheated garage or enclosed porch during freezing weather.
Water Less Frequently
Reduce watering frequency as growth slows for winter. Allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings to prevent root rot issues.
However, don’t let plants dry out completely. Bat faced cuphea should receive enough moisture during winter to prevent excessive wilting, shriveling, or desiccation.
Wait Until Spring to Fertilize
Hold off on fertilizing cuphea during winter months. Fertilizing stimulates fresh growth that is vulnerable to cold damage.
Resume monthly fertilization in spring once all danger of frost has passed. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to nourish new growth.
Keep an Eye on Weather Forecasts
Monitor winter weather reports so you can take appropriate actions as needed. If extreme cold is predicted, be prepared to add extra insulation, move container plants to a warmer area, or set up temporary cold frames or cloches.
Quick cold protection measures like frost cloth can save tender tropicals when temperatures plunge unexpectedly. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect plants from the cold.
Caring for Overwintered Plants in Spring
Once spring arrives and the threat of frost passes, you can remove winter mulch and resume normal care practices:
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Water thoroughly as growth resumes. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease issues.
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Move container plants back outdoors when overnight lows stay above 45°F.
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Prune out any dead stems or minimal winter damage.
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Fertilize monthly to support abundant flowering.
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Watch for pests like aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and whiteflies that may emerge with warmer weather.
With proper overwintering methods, the beloved bat faced cuphea will quickly return to its former glory once temperatures warm. Taking steps to insulate, prune, and protect these tropical beauties from winter’s chill will keep them flowering happily year after year.
Managing Pests and Diseases
This plant has no serious insect or disease problems. It is deer-resistant.
Bat-faced cuphea makes a nice container plant, particularly if you need to overwinter it indoors.
Many gardeners enjoy this plant in hanging baskets, and some use it as a houseplant year ‘round. Don’t let your container dry out, and make sure the plant gets four hours of bright sunlight each day!
They’re suitable for borders, beds or path edging. They are particularly pretty in masses.
Quick Reference Growing Guide
| Plant Type: | Annual in most of the U.S., tender perennial in warmer climates | Flower / Foliage Color: | Red, black, or purple open-pollinated flowers; cultivars have various bloom colors; bright green foliage |
| Native to: | Mexico, Central America | Maintenance: | Minimal |
| Hardiness (USDA Zone): | 10-12 | Tolerance: | Heat, drought |
| Bloom Time: | Late spring until first frost | Soil Type: | Rich, organic |
| Exposure: | Full sun to part shade, depending on how brutal your sun is | Soil pH: | 6.1-7.8 |
| Growth Rate: | Fast | Soil Drainage: | Well-draining |
| Spacing: | 24-36 inches | Companion Planting: | Impatiens, roses |
| Planting Depth: | Transplants: same depth as container from which you are transplanting Seeds: on top of soil with light sprinkling of milled peat | Uses: | Ornamental, specimen, bird gardens |
| Height: | 18-30 inches | Attracts: | Hummingbirds, butterflies |
| Spread: | 12-18 inches | Family: | Lythraceae |
| Water Needs: | Moist but not wet, drought-tolerant but does better with regular watering | Genus: | Cuphea |
| Pests & Diseases: | Resistant to most pests and diseases, can get stem rot from waterlogged soil. | Species: | ilavea |
Bat Faced Cuphea
FAQ
How do you overwinter Cuphea?
Should Cuphea be cut back?
Is Cuphea winter hardy?
Is bat face Cuphea a perennial or annual?
How do you grow a bat-faced Cuphea?
Grow bat-faced cuphea in full sun in the ground or in containers. Provide regular moisture, although plants will tolerate dry conditions occasionally. Fertilize plants in containers several times during the summer months. Pinch back or shear if plants become too leggy later in the growing season.
How do you care for a bat faced Cuphea?
For best results, provide plants with: Organic soil. Full sun or part shade, depending on where you live. Regular water. All-purpose fertilizer. Bat-faced cuphea is fairly low maintenance. You can perform some light tip pruning or pinching if plants become too leggy.
What is a bat face Cuphea plant?
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. Read this article for helpful informatio
When should I plant a bat faced Cuphea?
In colder zones, it is recommended to start bat-faced cuphea from seed indoors in late winter or early spring and transplant them outdoors after the last frost. They can be planted in full sun or partial shade. These plants have a spreading growth habit and will develop multiple stems that branch upward.