Cuphea llavea Flamenco Samba

Cuphea llavea xFlamenco Samba

Cuphea llavea Flamenco Samba

Botanical Name: Cuphea llavea Flamenco Samba

KOO-fee-ah LAY-vee-ah Common Name: Bat-faced cuphea

Genus: Cuphea

Family: Lythraceae (ly-THRAY-see-ee)

Genus: Cuphea (KYOO-fee-uh)

Species: llavea (LAH-vay-uh)


Synonym:Cuphea barbigera
Synonym:Parsonia llavea

This bold-colored cuphea is a compact, mounding subshrub covered with dark-centered, cherry red blooms centered with a deep purple throat and slightly ruffled petal edges. Flowers are larger than those of the species. This sun-loving plant can reach up to 3 feet in height and width.


Noteworthy characteristics: Flowers all season long without deadheading.


Care: Ideal for hanging baskets, containers, beds, and borders, this plant needs little care besides regular watering once the soil has dried out.


Propagation: Sow seed in early spring or in situ in late spring. Divide, or root softwood cuttings in late spring.


Problems: Whiteflies and aphids. Prone to root rot, stem galls, dieback, powdery mildew, and a few leaf spots.




Category:
Annuals
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Height:
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Hardiness:
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade

Danger: Unknown

Bloom Color:
Red
Dark Purple/Black

Bloom Time:
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Blooms repeatedly

Foliage: Evergreen

Other details:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information:
Non-patented

Propagation Methods:
From softwood cuttings

Seed Collecting:
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry.



Cuphea llavea is a bushy to mounding perennial subshrub that is native to Mexico. This perennial will flower from spring till fall and is a great attractor of hummingbirds to the garden. Bat Face Cuphea produces masses of 1" purple tubular flowers. The tubes are lipped with two upward facing pedals. These resemble ears and the purple tips resemble the face of a bat, hence the common name. Cuphea llavea does great in the heat, requires excellent drainage, and is also drought tolerant. This perennial is frost hardy in the upper 20's and root hardy in the lower 20's.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9-11
Plant Use: Flowering Perennial
Exposure: Sun to Part Shade
Water Requirements: Low