What does cuphea mean?
The species range from low-growing herbaceous plants to semi-woody shrubs up to 2 m (6 ft 7 in) tall. Commonly they are known as cupheas, or, in the case of some species, as cigar plants. The generic name is derived from the Greek word κυφος (kyphos), meaning bent, curved, or humped. Cuphea. It is an evergreen in warm climates or indoors. The genus name, Cuphea, is derived from the Greek word kyphos, meaning curved, and most likely refers to the shape of its seed capsules.Cuphea is a genus of plants native to the Americas. Most do extremely well in full sun and summer heat as long as they are watered regularly. In most zones they are annuals, but in very southern zones they may be perennial.The relaxed shape and profuse flowering of Cuphea make it a good complement for shrubs with an open form. Silvery-leaved Mediterranean shrubs like lavender, rosemary, artemisia, olive trees, germander, and curry plants contrast wonderfully with the bright Cuphea flowers.
What is another name for Cuphea?
Cuphea is a genus of many plants native to the warm temperate and tropical regions of the Americas. Depending on the species and cultivar, they go by several common names such as firecracker plant, cigar flower, Mexican-heather, bat flower, bunny ears, candy corn plant, and false heather. Flower Meaning: Cuphea’s bright blossoms represent energy, warmth, and lasting happiness — the perfect tribute to gardens built with love, laughter, and a spirit of welcome.
Where is cuphea from?
Cuphea hyssopifolia, commonly called Mexican heather, is native from Mexico to Guatemala. It is a rounded, densely branched 1-2′ tall tropical sub-shrub. It produces quaint, small, trumpet-shaped flowers with six spreading lavender petals and green calyx tubes. Cuphea hyssopifola (False Mexican Heather) is one of the most commonly used annuals, renowned for its drought tolerance, constant show of color and ease of production. But this plant is only the tip of the iceberg for this group of really strong annual and occasionally perennial flowers.
Is Cuphea a butterfly plant?
Cigar flower (Cuphea ignea) – Also called cigar plant, Mexican cigar, and firecracker plant, Cuphea ignea is native to Mexico. It can tolerate part shade. Its tubular flowers are popular with hummingbirds and large sulphur butterflies. Firecracker or Mexican Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea) has one-inch bright red tubular flowers tipped with white and two small black petals at the base. The common name is derived from the fact that the flowers look like firecrackers or cigars. It’s a showy annual that will bloom all season.
What is Cuphea used for?
Cuphea plants are widely used in traditional South American and Mexican medicine as anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antipyretic, antimicrobial, astringent, and hypotensive agents. Cuphea is grown as an annual in colder regions where frost can occur, as it may not survive winter temperatures. However, if you are willing to be patient, both the bat-faced and the cigar cuphea has been known to come back as a perennial during our milder winters.Cuphea thrives in most climates and can be planted at any time of the year. In cooler areas, it’s best to wait until the last chance of frost has passed. Choose a spot in full sun with well-drained soil and enrich with organic compost or aged manure. If planting in pots, use a premium potting mix.