shrub

Bat-faced Cuphea

The Story

Plant Bio

Cuphea llavea, commonly known as bat-faced cuphea, is a rounded, multi-stemmed evergreen sub-shrub native to Mexico that grows eighteen to thirty inches tall. The dark green, sandpapery leaves are arranged oppositely along flexible stems, providing a dense backdrop for tubular purple flowers tipped with two upward-facing, vivid red petals.

The distinctive flower structure resembles a bat's face, with a hairy purple calyx tube forming the head and the bright red petals acting as ears. These nectar-rich blooms emerge continuously from late spring until the first frost, drawing a steady stream of hummingbirds and bees.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces unique, bat-faced purple and red flowers continuously from late spring to frost on a compact, mounding shrub.

Offers excellent heat, humidity, and moderate drought tolerance once established in well-drained garden beds or patio containers.

Serves as a highly productive nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees throughout the warm months.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30"

Width

36"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial (Annual in cold climates)

Native To

Mexico

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with rich, exceptionally well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container.
Water deeply to settle the soil, maintaining consistent moisture until the root system is fully established.
Pinch back the growing tips of young plants by one to two inches to stimulate dense, bushy lateral growth.

Pro Tip

Pinch back young stem tips by one to two inches when the plant reaches eight inches tall to prevent a floppy, sparse habit and force dense, floriferous branching.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Pinch stem tips early in the season to encourage a compact, heavily branched form.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Water regularly during hot, dry spells to maintain optimal flower production.

Don't

Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water or heavy, poorly drained clay.
Do not skip early pinching, which results in a sparse, floppy growth habit.
Do not fertilize heavily during the winter months when growth naturally slows.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Pinch
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

BordersContainersMass PlantingsCottage GardensPollinator Gardens

Companion Plants

Salvia Lantana Pentas Verbena

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bat-faced Cuphea questions

What zones can Bat-faced Cuphea grow in?

Bat-faced Cuphea is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bat-faced Cuphea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bat-faced Cuphea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bat-faced Cuphea bloom?

Bat-faced Cuphea typically blooms in late spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bat-faced Cuphea need full sun?

Bat-faced Cuphea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Bat-faced Cuphea drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bat-faced Cuphea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.