CUPHEA 'BAT FACE'

Cuphea is a genus containing about 260 species of annual and perennial flowering plants in the Lythraceae family, native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the Americas. The species range from low-growing herbaceous plants to semi-woody shrubs up to 2 m 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."

This here is Cuphea llavea 'Tiny Mice' (or sometimes called 'Bat Face'). A succession of red tubular blooms that end in a purple bat-like 'face' are topped by a pair of glowing red 'ears' creating the interesting 'bat face' look. This is a tough and reliable low mounding perennial which blooms from late spring to frost. Great for Hummingbirds, mixed containers, and in mass plantings. Provide ample sunlight and good drainage for the best results.

This post is part of the Floral Friday Fotos meme.