253 Species in Genus Cuphea

May 8 – Cuphea
"Cuphea, the firecracker plant, defines May 8."
Cuphea represents excitement and spontaneity. You have a playful and adventurous nature, always seeking new experiences. Like its fiery blooms, you light up the lives of those around you.

Table of Contents

FAQs About Cuphea: A Comprehensive Guide

I’ve always been fascinated by Cuphea, a genus of flowering plants known for their vibrant blooms and hummingbird appeal. If you’re considering adding Cuphea to your garden or just curious about this plant, you might have some common questions. Here’s a detailed FAQ about Cuphea that covers everything from its care to its compatibility with wildlife.

What Is Cuphea?

Cuphea is a diverse genus of plants native to the Americas, belong to the Lythraceae family. Known for their striking flowers, which can be red, orange, yellow, or purple, Cuphea plants are often used in gardens and containers to attract pollinators. Their blooms resemble small, tubular structures that can vary significantly in shape and color, making them a colorful addition to any landscape.

Cuphea species

Cuphea acicularis Koehne
Cuphea acinifolia A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea acinos A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea adenophylla T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea aequipetala Cav.
Cuphea affinitatum Koehne
Cuphea alaniana S.A.Graham
Cuphea alatosperma T.B.Cavalc. & S.A.Graham
Cuphea anagalloidea A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea anamariae T.B.Cavalc. & S.A.Graham
Cuphea angustifolia Jacq. ex Koehne
Cuphea anisoclada Lourteig
Cuphea annulata Koehne
Cuphea antisyphilitica Kunth
Cuphea aperta Koehne
Cuphea appendiculata Benth.
Cuphea aquilana S.A.Graham & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea araguaiaensis Facco & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea arenarioides A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea aristata Hemsl.
Cuphea armata S.A.Graham
Cuphea aspera Chapm.
Cuphea auriflora Lourteig ex Facco & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea avigera B.L.Rob. & Seaton
Cuphea bahiensis (Lourteig) S.A.Graham & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea baillonis Koehne
Cuphea blackii Lourteig
Cuphea bolivarensis Lourteig
Cuphea bombonasae Sprague
Cuphea bonplandii Lourteig
Cuphea brachyantha Koehne
Cuphea brachypoda T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea bracteolosa Koehne
Cuphea bustamanta Lex.
Cuphea caesariata S.A.Graham
Cuphea calaminthifolia Schltdl.
Cuphea calcarata Benth.
Cuphea calophylla Cham. & Schltdl.
Cuphea campestris Mart. ex Koehne
Cuphea campylocentra Griseb.
Cuphea carajasensis Lourteig
Cuphea cardonae Lourteig
Cuphea carthagenensis (Jacq.) J.F.Macbr.
Cuphea cataractarum Spruce ex Koehne
Cuphea chiribiquetea Lourteig
Cuphea ciliata Ruiz & Pav.
Cuphea cipoensis T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea circaeoides Sm. ex Sims
Cuphea concinna Koehne
Cuphea confertiflora A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea congesta S.A.Graham & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea cordata Ruiz & Pav.
Cuphea corisperma Koehne
Cuphea crassiflora S.A.Graham
Cuphea crudyana Koehne
Cuphea cuiabensis Mart. ex Koehne
Cuphea cunninghamiifolia T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea curiosa Lourteig
Cuphea cyanea Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
Cuphea cylindracea S.A.Graham
Cuphea dactylophora Koehne
Cuphea decandra W.T.Aiton
Cuphea delicatula Brandegee
Cuphea densiflora Koehne
Cuphea denticulata Kunth
Cuphea dibrachiata S.A.Graham
Cuphea diosmifolia A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea dipetala (L.f.) Koehne
Cuphea disperma Koehne
Cuphea distichophylla Lourteig
Cuphea dryadica Facco & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea dusenii Koehne
Cuphea egleri Lourteig
Cuphea elliptica Koehne
Cuphea empetrifolia Rose
Cuphea epilobiifolia Koehne
Cuphea ericoides Cham. & Schltdl.
Cuphea exilis T.B.Cavalc. & S.A.Graham
Cuphea ferrisiae Bacig.
Cuphea ferruginea Pohl ex Koehne
Cuphea filiformis T.B.Cavalc. & S.A.Graham
Cuphea flava Spreng.
Cuphea flavisetula Bacig.
Cuphea flavovirens S.A.Graham
Cuphea fluviatilis S.A.Graham
Cuphea froesii Lourteig
Cuphea fruticosa Spreng.
Cuphea fuchsiifolia A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea galeatocalcarata Lourteig
Cuphea gardneri Koehne
Cuphea gaumeri Koehne
Cuphea glareosa T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea glaziovii Koehne
Cuphea glossostoma Koehne
Cuphea glutinosa Cham. & Schltdl.
Cuphea gracilis Kunth
Cuphea grandiflora Pohl ex Koehne
Cuphea harleyi L.M.Brauner & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea hatschbachii Lourteig
Cuphea heteropetala Koehne
Cuphea heterophylla Benth.
Cuphea heydei Koehne
Cuphea hirsutissima Lourteig
Cuphea hispidiflora Koehne
Cuphea hookeriana Walp.
Cuphea humifusa S.A.Graham
Cuphea hybogyna Koehne
Cuphea hyssopifolia Kunth Plant FAQs: Mexican Heather – Cuphea Hyssopifolia
Cuphea hyssopoides A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea ignea A.DC. Plant FAQs: Cuphea Ignea – Cigar Plant
Cuphea iguazuensis Lourteig
Cuphea impatientifolia A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea inaequalifolia Koehne
Cuphea inflata S.A.Graham
Cuphea ingrata Cham. & Schltdl.
Cuphea insolita Lourteig
Cuphea intermedia Hemsl.
Cuphea jorullensis Kunth
Cuphea karwinskii Koehne
Cuphea killipii Lourteig
Cuphea koehneana Rose
Cuphea kubeorum Lourteig
Cuphea laeviuscula Bacig.
Cuphea laminuligera Koehne
Cuphea lanceolata W.T.Aiton
Cuphea laricoides Koehne
Cuphea leptopoda Hemsl.
Cuphea linarioides Cham. & Schltdl.
Cuphea lindmaniana Koehne ex Bacig.
Cuphea linifolia Koehne
Cuphea llavea Lex.
Cuphea lobelioides Griseb.
Cuphea lobophora Koehne
Cuphea loefgrenii Bacig.
Cuphea lophostoma Koehne
Cuphea lucens T.B.Cavalc. & S.A.Graham
Cuphea lutea Rose ex Koehne
Cuphea luteola S.A.Graham & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea lutescens Pohl ex Koehne
Cuphea lysimachioides Cham. & Schltdl.
Cuphea maigualidensis Lourteig
Cuphea megalophylla S.F.Blake
Cuphea melanium (L.) Cramer
Cuphea melvilla Lindl.
Cuphea mexiae Bacig.
Cuphea michoacana R.C.Foster
Cuphea micrantha Kunth
Cuphea micropetala Kunth
Cuphea mimuloides Schltdl. & Cham.
Cuphea myrtifolia Bacig.
Cuphea nitidula Kunth
Cuphea nivea S.A.Graham
Cuphea nudicostata Hemsl.
Cuphea odonellii Lourteig
Cuphea ornithoides R.C.Foster
Cuphea ownbeyi S.A.Graham
Cuphea painteri Rose ex Koehne
Cuphea palustris Koehne
Cuphea paradoxa Koehne
Cuphea paralarix (Lourteig) T.B.Cavalc. & S.A.Graham
Cuphea paranensis Bacig.
Cuphea parsonsia (L.) R.Br. ex Steud.
Cuphea pascuorum Mart. ex Koehne
Cuphea paucipetala S.A.Graham
Cuphea persistens Koehne
Cuphea pertenuis R.C.Foster
Cuphea philombria Lourteig
Cuphea pinetorum Benth.
Cuphea pleiantha Lourteig
Cuphea pohlii Lourteig
Cuphea polymorpha A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea potamophila T.B.Cavalc. & S.A.Graham
Cuphea praetermissa Facco & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea procumbens Ortega
Cuphea pseudericoides Koehne
Cuphea pseudosilene Griseb.
Cuphea pseudovaccinium A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea pterosperma Koehne
Cuphea pulchra Moric.
Cuphea punctulata Koehne
Cuphea purpurascens Bacig.
Cuphea pustulata Koehne
Cuphea quaternata Bacig.
Cuphea racemosa (L.f.) Spreng.
Cuphea radiaticaulis Lourteig
Cuphea ramosissima Pohl ex Koehne
Cuphea rasilis S.A.Graham
Cuphea reitzii Lourteig
Cuphea repens Koehne
Cuphea reticulata Koehne
Cuphea retrorsicapilla Koehne
Cuphea retroscabra S.Watson
Cuphea rhodocalyx Lourteig
Cuphea rigidula Benth.
Cuphea rionegrensis Lourteig
Cuphea riparia Ekman & O.C.Schmidt
Cuphea roseana Koehne
Cuphea rubescens Koehne
Cuphea rubrovirens T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea rupestris T.B.Cavalc. & S.A.Graham
Cuphea rusbyi Lourteig
Cuphea sabulosa S.A.Graham
Cuphea salicifolia Schltdl. & Cham.
Cuphea salvadorensis (Standl.) Standl.
Cuphea saxatilis S.A.Graham
Cuphea scaberrima Koehne
Cuphea schumannii Koehne
Cuphea schwackei Koehne ex Schwacke
Cuphea sclerophylla Koehne
Cuphea scolnikiae Lourteig
Cuphea secundiflora Moc. & Sessé ex DC.
Cuphea seleri Koehne
Cuphea sessiliflora A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea setifera S.A.Graham
Cuphea setosa Koehne
Cuphea sincorana T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea sordida Koehne
Cuphea spectabilis S.A.Graham
Cuphea sperguloides A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea spermacoce A.St.-Hil.
Cuphea splendida Lourteig
Cuphea spraguei Lourteig
Cuphea spruceana Koehne
Cuphea stenopetala Koehne
Cuphea strigulosa Kunth
Cuphea stygialis Lourteig
Cuphea subuligera Koehne
Cuphea sucumbiensis Lourteig
Cuphea tarapotensis Sprague
Cuphea teleandra Lourteig
Cuphea tenuissima Koehne
Cuphea tetrapetala Koehne
Cuphea thymoides Cham. & Schltdl.
Cuphea tolucana Peyr.
Cuphea trichochila R.C.Foster
Cuphea trisperma S.A.Graham
Cuphea trochilus S.A.Graham
Cuphea tuberosa Cham. & Schltdl.
Cuphea urbaniana Koehne
Cuphea urens Koehne
Cuphea utriculosa Koehne
Cuphea vargasii J.F.Macbr.
Cuphea varia Koehne ex Bacig.
Cuphea venosa Facco & T.B.Cavalc.
Cuphea vesiculigera R.C.Foster
Cuphea vesiculosa Koehne
Cuphea viscosa Rose ex Koehne
Cuphea viscosissima Jacq.
Cuphea warmingii Koehne
Cuphea watsoniana Koehne
Cuphea weddelliana Koehne
Cuphea wrightii A.Gray
Cuphea xanthopetala S.A.Graham & T.B.Cavalc.

Is Cuphea a Perennial?

Cuphea’s classification as a perennial or annual depends on the species and your climate. In general, many Cuphea species are grown as annuals in cooler climates because they can’t survive frost. However, in warmer regions, especially USDA zones 8 through 11, Cuphea can behave as a perennial. They return year after year in these more temperate areas, offering their vibrant blooms season after season.

How Big Does Cuphea Grow?

Cuphea plants vary widely in size depending on the species. Some are compact and stay around 12 to 18 inches tall, making them perfect for container gardening or as border plants. Others can reach up to 3 feet in height. Always check the specific variety you’re interested in to get a sense of its growth potential.

How to Care for Cuphea?

Caring for Cuphea is relatively straightforward, and it thrives with a few key practices:

Sunlight: Cuphea plants love full sun. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
Watering: They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered regularly but not overly so. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil: A well-draining soil mix is essential. Cuphea can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Fertilizing: Feed Cuphea with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to encourage lush growth and abundant blooms.

How to Propagate Cuphea?

Propagating Cuphea is usually done through cuttings. Here’s a simple method:

Take Cuttings: In spring or early summer, take 4-6 inch cuttings from a healthy Cuphea plant.
Prepare Cuttings: Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
Plant Cuttings: Place the cuttings in a pot with a mix of perlite and peat moss.
Maintain Moisture: Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Transplant: Once roots develop, usually in 4-6 weeks, transplant the new plants into larger pots or into the garden.

How to Prune Cuphea?

Pruning Cuphea helps maintain its shape and promotes new growth. Here’s how to do it:

Timing: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Method: Remove any dead or damaged stems first. Then, trim back the plant by about one-third to encourage a fuller shape.
Pinching: Regular pinching of the tips can also promote a bushier plant and more blooms.

Do Deer Eat Cuphea?

Cuphea is generally not a favorite among deer. Its strong fragrance and tubular flowers make it less appealing to these animals. However, in times of extreme hunger, deer might nibble on it, so some protection or deterrents could be necessary in deer-prone areas.

Do Hummingbirds Like Cuphea?

Absolutely! Cuphea is renowned for attracting hummingbirds. The tubular flowers are a perfect fit for their long bills, and the bright colors lure them in. If you want to create a hummingbird-friendly garden, Cuphea is an excellent choice.

Is Cuphea Poisonous to Dogs?

No, Cuphea is not known to be toxic to dogs. While it’s always best to monitor pets around plants, Cuphea doesn’t typically pose a risk to dogs if ingested in small amounts.

Is Cuphea Poisonous to Cats?

Similarly, Cuphea is not considered poisonous to cats. However, ingestion of any plant material can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset. It’s best to keep an eye on your pets and consult a veterinarian if you notice any unusual behavior.

Cuphea vs. Mexican Heather

Cuphea and Mexican Heather (Cuphea hyssopifolia) are often confused due to their similar names and appearance. While both are popular garden plants, there are key differences:

Appearance: Mexican Heather tends to be more compact with smaller, darker green leaves and smaller flowers compared to the more varied Cuphea species.
Growth Habit: Mexican Heather generally grows in a denser, more uniform manner, while Cuphea can vary greatly in size and form.
Flowers: Mexican Heather flowers are usually smaller and come in purple or white, whereas Cuphea flowers can be more diverse in color and shape.

Common Problems and Solutions

Powdery Mildew: This fungal issue can be managed by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Pests: Aphids and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

What to Plant With Cuphea?

Pair Cuphea with plants that complement its needs and visual appeal. Consider:

Salvia: Both plants attract hummingbirds and have similar sunlight and water requirements.
Petunias: Their vibrant colors and trailing habit can pair well with Cuphea’s upright growth.

Cuphea is a dynamic plant with lots to offer in terms of beauty and ecological benefits. Whether you’re enhancing a garden for wildlife or adding a splash of color to your space, Cuphea is a great choice to consider.