Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Bat Face Cuphea

Cuphea Llavea

Design with this plant

Overview

Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea llavea) is an eye-catching perennial, showcasing tubular red flowers with purple calyxes resembling bat faces. Thriving in USDA zones 8-10, it flourishes in full sun to partial shade. Compact growth reaches 18-24 inches tall and wide, ideal for borders or as a vibrant groundcover. Drought-tolerant once established, it requires well-draining soil and occasional pruning to maintain shape. Attracts pollinators, adding ecological value to the garden.

Sun Full, HalfWater Extra in Summer, MediumZones 9–10Type ShrubClimate Temperate
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — complete with purple "ears" and red "faces." Native to Mexico
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — but occasional pruning can keep the plant tidy and encourage fuller growthBat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — complete with purple "ears" and red "faces." Native to Mexico; or as a whimsical accent in a mixed bedBat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Cuphea llavea thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11; deadheading is not necessaryBat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Thriving in USDA zones 8-10, it flourishes in full sun to partial shadeBat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — deadheading is not necessaryBat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — it is recommended to space them about 20 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth+47

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Extra in Summer, Medium
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Shrub
Family
Lythraceae
Climate
Temperate

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (54)

Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — complete with purple "ears" and red "faces." Native to Mexico
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — but occasional pruning can keep the plant tidy and encourage fuller growth
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — complete with purple "ears" and red "faces." Native to Mexico; or as a whimsical accent in a mixed bed
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Cuphea llavea thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11; deadheading is not necessary
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Thriving in USDA zones 8-10, it flourishes in full sun to partial shade
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — deadheading is not necessary
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — it is recommended to space them about 20 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea llavea) is an eye-catching perennial
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — providing a long-lasting display of vibrant color
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Their compact size and bushy growth habit make them an excellent choice for borders; showcasing tubular red flowers with
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Its continuous blooms adorn the plant from late spring to first frost
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — showcasing tubular red flowers with purple calyxes resembling bat faces
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — scientifically known as Cuphea llavea
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — inviting hummingbirds and butterflies into the garden
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — They prefer well-drained soil with moderate moisture and can flourish in both full sun to partial shade
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Compact growth reaches 18-24 inches tall and wide, ideal for borders or as a vibrant groundcover; bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Attracts pollinators, adding ecological value to the garden; but it is also a magnet for pollinators
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Their compact size and bushy growth habit make them an excellent choice for borders
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — but it is also a magnet for pollinators
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — scientifically known as Cuphea llavea; multi-colored and purple and red flowers in the garden
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Compact growth reaches 18-24 inches tall and wide, ideal for borders or as a vibrant groundcover
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — is a unique and charismatic perennial that presents a playful addition to any landscape design
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — Drought-tolerant once established, it requires well-draining soil and occasional pruning to maintain shape
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — or as a whimsical accent in a mixed bed
Photographs by 8 contributors

Related plants

Acoma Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma') — Drought and mildew resistant, it's an ideal choice for accent planting in USDA zones 6-9

Tree

Acoma Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma'

FullUSDA 6–9
Candy Corn Plant (Cuphea Micropetala) — reminiscent of the festive kernels; thus contributing to the ecological health of the garden.<br><br>To ensure optimal

Shrub

Candy Corn Plant

Cuphea Micropetala

FullUSDA 9–10
Catawba Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica 'Catawba') — and provide winter protection in the cooler end of this range

Shrub

Catawba Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica 'Catawba'

FullUSDA 7–10
Chinese Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) — and use it as a focal point or to line pathways, image 50

Tree

Chinese Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

FullUSDA 7–10
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica) — and they thrive in well-draining soil with a pH that is slightly acidic to neutral; exfoliating bark and, image 138

Shrub

Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica

FullUSDA 7–10
David Verity Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea 'David Verity') — is a perennial shrub with unique tubular orange-red flowers and slender

Shrub

David Verity Cuphea

Cuphea Llavea 'David Verity'

FullUSDA 9–10