Nurseries Online
  • Home
  • A-Z Plant Index
  • Trees and Shrubs
    • Fruit Trees
    • Advanced Trees
    • Evergreen Trees
  • Native Plants
  • Roses
  • Buying Plants Online
    • Mail Order Nurseries
    • Retail Plant Nurseries
    • Wholesale Nurseries
  • Garden Pots
  • Water Features for the Garden
  • Garden Accessories
  • About Us
  • Water Features for the Garden
  • Garden Pots
  • Garden Accessories
Home  »  A-Z Plant Index  »  Perennial Plants  »  Cuphea

Cuphea

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
Cuphea 'Tiny Mice'
Cuphea ‘Tiny Mice’

Cuphea is a diverse genus with over 200 species, prized for their colourful, long-lasting flowers and compact, mound-forming growth. Popular across warm climates, these evergreen perennials are ideal for garden borders, rockeries, containers, and pollinator-friendly spaces. They’re also grown as annuals in cooler climates.

Among the most well-known species are:

  • Cuphea hyssopifolia – often grown as a low hedge, with fine foliage and purple to white flowers.
  • Cuphea mexicana – known as Mexican Heather, this compact species is great for edging.
  • Cuphea llavea – commonly called ‘Tiny Mice’ or ‘Bat-Faced Cuphea,’ with vivid red, purple, and orange flowers that resemble little bat faces or mouse ears.

Three Cuphea Varieties to look for :

  • C. hyssopifolia will reach around 50 cm in height, evergreen and long flowering.Flower colour varies from purples to white.Easily pruned to shape and size.
  • C. mexicana will reach around 40 cm in height and is mainly grown in a the compact form. Again flowers are mauve or white.
  • C. llavea is the species with the colourful flowers,orange, red purple and white. The flowers are said to resemble mouse ears or a bat face. It is low growing to around 4o cms, evergreen and particularly showy, especially the red and purple flowering variety. Excellent in the garden, containers or a hanging basket.

Other to look for C. lanceolata ‘Purple Passion’(Bat Faced)

Cuphea Care

All Cuphea species prefer warm climates, full sun, and well-drained, humus-rich soil. In very hot regions, some afternoon shade can prevent stress.

  • Soil: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0) and enriched with organic matter like compost or peat moss.
  • Watering: Water deeply but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Feeding: Use a slow-release balanced fertiliser (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) in spring and again mid-season.

Pruning and Maintenance

Cuphea, particularly C. hyssopifolia and C. llavea, benefit from light tip pruning after flowering to keep a tidy shape.

  • Deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages further flowering.
  • More thorough pruning can be done in early spring to refresh the plant.

Propagation

Propagation is easy via stem cuttings. Take 10–15 cm cuttings from healthy, non-flowering stems, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a mix of peat moss and perlite. Keep moist until roots develop.

Pest and Disease Watch

Cuphea are generally resilient, but they can attract:

  • Aphids – Wash off with water or treat with insecticidal soap.
  • Powdery mildew – Prevent with good airflow and avoid overhead watering.

Creative Landscape Uses

  • Use C. hyssopifolia for low hedgingor edging formal gardens.
  • Plant Tiny Mice (C. llavea) in containers, hanging baskets, or mass plantings** for bold colour and pollinator appeal.
  • Pair Cuphea with salvias, verbenas, or ornamental grasses for vibrant, textural combinations.
  • Suitable for balconies, cottage gardens, or sunny patios
  • Also suited to growing in the garden border, cottage garden, rock garden or in a container on a sunny balcony.

Where To Buy


Planters Patch
PLANTERS PATCH phone : (02) 9653 3933
Specialist perennial nursery supplying quality plants in 100mm pots. All plants are grown at our nursery and deliver to your door via Australia Post.We have many new releases and favourite perennials plants available.Available by mail order. Supplying NSW, QLD, VIC, ACT & SA.
www.planterspatch.com.au

Comments

Full List of Perennials

Popular Perennials

  • Lavender Varieties
  • Dichondra Silver Falls
  • Begonias
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Echium
  • Lisianthus
  • Kniphofia
  • Carnations
  • Pelargonium Types
  • Euphorbia
  • Digitalis
  • Ligularia reniformis
  • Coleus
  • Agastache
  • Poppies
  • Russell Lupins
  • Heuchera
  • Salix
  • Bleeding Heart Plant – Lamprocapnos spectabilis (syn. Dicentra spectabilis
  • Strelitzia reginae

Copyright © 2025 · Advertise with Us · Contact Us