Pink cuphea still blooming in December
December 14, 2014
After our early freeze in mid-November, we’ve had a splendid spell of mild weather. There’s been no dragging of cold-tender potted plants inside to clutter the house. Fingers crossed, we’ll get through Christmas without another freeze. Somehow the pink cuphea escaped cold damage in November and is still blooming its head off. I find the fuchsia, tubular flowers so cheery.
Paired with a potted (elevated) ‘Color Guard’ yucca, it adds even more late-season zing to the garden.
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I realize this is remedial, and I probably ought to be ashamed to admit this (especially in the company found here) but I just this past season caught on to the wisdom of putting certain spotlight plants into pots even though they are going and growing full time in the great outdoors.
Why? Because it elevates them, both literally and in a design sense, as they then grow at a different level and are surrounded by the color of the planter at least in glimpses. It puts plants treated thusly into “I’m a bit special, wouldn’t you agree?” territory.
I’m not sure what took me so long to “see” the wisdom of putting planters out in the plants per se but I’m clear that viewing your spaces had a lot to do with that light finally snapping ON. Thank you!
Deb, once you start putting potted plants into your garden beds, and not just on the patio or deck, you may find it hard to stop. I know I do. I love the punch of color of a glazed pot, either planted or unplanted, in a bed where it can harmonize or contrast. And yes, the elevation factor is key also. It’s especially helpful where you have a narrow space that needs something with height, but a taller shrub would be too wide. I rely on very drought-tolerant plants in my garden pots so that I don’t have to worry about keeping them watered all the time in the summer. Cold-hardy is key too. Yucca is perfect on both counts! —Pam
That combo looks great – with the purple in the flower…I may need to try that in the front garden! Thx, Pam 🙂
I think this cuphea is ‘Twinkle Pink’, Heather. I like bat-face cuphea too, but it often doesn’t survive the winter in Austin. Maybe it would in San Antonio? Either way, cupheas do need some summer irrigation in central Texas, so put it close enough to the house where you won’t forget to water it. —Pam
It is quite beautiful. I will remember this combo for next summer.
Do you plant cuphea as an annual in Indiana, Lisa? —Pam
I love this plant. In fact, by my current count, I have no fewer than a dozen of these shrubs. Mine were identified by Annie’s as ‘Starfire Pink’ but they appear to be identical to yours. The hummingbirds also love them (so I never cut them all back at the same time) and they tolerate a range of conditions: regular to light watering, supplemented soil to clay soil, and partial shade to full sun. They, quite literally, bloom all year here in Southern California (at least until I do my once a year hard pruning, after which they bounce back quickly).
I should really plant more. How wonderful that you have so many, Kris. —Pam
This plant combo is definitely eyecatching and fun. I love all the cupheas, but haven’t been successful with them. I liked the pairing in your last post also, with the yucca and chili plant. I never see that chili in nurseries, only the ornamental peppers. Your pic looks similar to info I’ve read about chilipetin that is also spread by birds. When do we hear about your current project? Sorry you can’t get outside now, hopefully the view of your fabulous yard will encourage the writing! Thanks for taking the time to share pretty photos with us.
Heidi, are you in Austin? Chile pequin is regularly available at nurseries like Barton Springs and Natural Gardener. Yes, it’s related to the petin — or maybe it’s the same plant under a different name?
I’m planning to make an announcement about my current book project in the new year. I’m excited about it and can’t wait to share the news, but for now I’m concentrating on meeting a big deadline. I tried to slow down on the blog, but I just can’t help continuing to share! —Pam