Cuphea Plants Collection | Fuchsia Delhommeau

Cuphea is an ornamental plant native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. Belonging to the Lythraceae family, it stands out for its tubular flowers in vivid colours — red, orange, purple or pink — which attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. At Fuchsia Delhommeau, we select rare and resilient varieties suited to European gardens and balconies.

What are the most popular cuphea varieties?

There are more than 260 species of cuphea, but some are particularly well-suited to our gardens:

Cuphea ignea — the "cigar plant": its red tubular flowers make it the best-known variety, ideal for borders and pots.
Cuphea hyssopifolia — "false heather": it produces small purple or white flowers, perfect for low hedges and borders.
Cuphea micropetala: its bright orange flowers make it a highly decorative plant for sunny beds.
Cuphea llavea — the "bat-faced cuphea": its purple bat-shaped flowers are truly one of a kind.

Discover all these varieties in our botanical curiosities collection, carefully selected by our team of passionate growers.

How to grow cupheas

Exposure and soil

Cupheas love full sun but tolerate light shade, especially in very hot regions. They thrive in light, well-drained, organically rich soil — a mix of potting compost and sand works perfectly. In pots, choose a large enough container and place a layer of clay pebbles at the bottom to ensure good drainage.

Watering and fertilising

Cupheas need regular watering, especially during the flowering period. Avoid waterlogging, which encourages disease. For abundant flowering, apply a high-potash fertiliser for flowering plants throughout the growing season.

When and how to plant cupheas

Plant outdoors in spring, after the last frosts. Loosen the soil, add compost, and space plants 30 to 40 cm apart to give them room to develop. Water thoroughly after planting to encourage rooting. See our curiosity plants growing tips for more guidance.

How to maintain cupheas throughout the year

Pruning: pinch stems regularly to encourage branching and denser flowering.
Winter protection: in cold regions, bring pots indoors or protect plants with horticultural fleece. Some varieties such as Cuphea micropetala can be overwintered as perennial plants if conditions allow.
Pest monitoring: cupheas are generally resilient, but watch out for aphids and slugs in spring.

With proper care, your cupheas will reward you with generous flowering from June through to the first frosts.

What plants pair well with cupheas?

Cupheas combine beautifully with other sun-loving, well-drained soil plants:

Geraniums: for a striking contrast of colours and textures.
Salvias: their flower spikes add height and volume to any arrangement.
Lantanas: their multicoloured blooms complement cupheas beautifully.
Succulents or ornamental grasses for an exotic and contemporary look.

Frequently asked questions about cupheas

Is cuphea a perennial or an annual plant?

In France and across Europe, cupheas are most often grown as annual plants. However, some varieties such as Cuphea micropetala can be kept from one year to the next by overwintering them indoors in a frost-free, bright location.

Is cuphea frost-hardy?

No, cuphea is sensitive to frost. It should be brought indoors or protected before the first autumn frosts. In mild regions, a simple layer of horticultural fleece may be sufficient for the hardier varieties.

How long does cuphea flower?

This is one of its greatest strengths: cuphea flowers from June through to the first frosts — up to 5 or 6 months of uninterrupted colour. By regularly pinching back faded stems, you can extend this generous flowering even further.

Does cuphea attract pollinators?

Yes, and this is one of its key ecological qualities. Its tubular flowers are particularly attractive to butterflies and bees, and in Mediterranean gardens they even draw hummingbirds. Cuphea is an excellent choice for a wildlife-friendly, pollinator-welcoming garden.

Looking to discover more rare and unusual plants? Explore our full botanical curiosities collection selected by our team of passionate growers.