Pronounciation: Cu-FEE-a ya-VEE-a

Hardiness zones
Sunset 12-24 (with protection or as summer annual in zone 13)
USDA 8, 9 (with protection in desert climates), 10-11

Landscape Use: Festive foreground plant for annual and tender perennial shade gardens, accent, informal edging, container or hanging baskets. bonsai

Form & Character: Loose, upright and spreading, delicate, refined.

Growth Habit: Evergreen, herbaceous subshrub, moderate growth to 2 feet tall with sowmewhat wider spread, sprawling.

Foliage/Texture: Lanceolate, sessile deep green leaves with distinct pinnate veins, 1 to 2 inches long, somewhat scabrous, margins smooth Small, opposite, linear to lanceolate leaves to 3/4 inch long; fine texture.

Flowers & Fruits: Many axillary flowers, multi-colored from red to deep purple/black, white protruding anthers, fruits inconspicuous, dry capsule.

Seasonal Color: Light display of flowers during warmer times of years.

Temperature: Tolerant of Phoenix cold, but requires partial shade during the heat of summer in Phoenix.

Light: Partial to full shade in Phoenix is best.

Soil: Well drained soils amended with organic matter for best performance.

Watering: Regular water is best.

Pruning: very light tip pruning on an infrequent basis.

Propagation: softwood cuttings, seed.

Disease and pests: Spider mites

Additional comments: Bat faced cuphea is a great accent plant in the right protected spot in Phoenix. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. 'Elk Red', 'Georgia Scarlet', 'Tiny Mice', 'Flamenco Samba' and 'Totally Tempted' are popular cultivars.