Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea llavea) Pronunciation
(aka St. Peter's Plant, Cigar Plant, Tiny Mice, Bunny Ears)

Bloom Time - Spring through fall
Color - Red, purple, black
Foliage - Hairy, lance-shaped, green leaves
Size - 18" - 24" tall
Exposure - Full sun to partial shade
Hardy to zone 8
Culture - Easy to grow in containers or in the ground. Full sun or filtered sun is fine. Carefree, easy to grow. Drought tolerant but performs best with regular watering. Pinch off faded flowers.

Comments - Now here is a dandy little plant that I think you will love. I discovered it a few years ago and I was happy to see it available at a local nursery this year so the word is getting out! Masses of vibrant red flowers with dark black and purple lobes appear profusely from spring to fall. In case you are wondering about the name, if you peer closely at the flowers, they indeed look like the face and ears of a little bat peering out at you. The plant originates from Mexico where it grows along streambeds. It can be grown in the ground where it will form a low growing mound or in containers. Heat and drought tolerant and the hummingbirds love it!

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