Cuphea lanceolata Purple Passion | Bat-faced Cuphea

Cuphea lanceolata ‘Purple Passion’ | Bat-faced Cuphea

Cuphea ‘Purple Passion’ is a fascinating annual with unusual, eye-catching flowers in rich velvety purple tones. The blooms are especially distinctive, featuring two enlarged upper petals resembling tiny mouse ears and four smaller petals below, giving the plant its charming nickname Bat-faced Cuphea.

This unique plant adds texture and interest to mixed borders and cottage gardens. The stems initially grow upright and later become slightly arching, weaving gracefully through neighboring plants. The foliage is slightly sticky, and the plant produces flowers continuously from mid-summer until autumn, often blooming well into October.

With its long flowering season and decorative stems, Cuphea ‘Purple Passion’ is also suitable for cut flowers and creates a striking addition to summer bouquets.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Cuphea lanceolata ‘Purple Passion’
Family: Lythraceae
Plant type: Annual
Height: 60–80 cm
Spread: approx. 25–30 cm
Flower colour: Purple / Lavender
Flowering period: July – October
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained
Use: Borders • Landscapes • Cut flowers • Containers

Why Grow Cuphea ‘Purple Passion’

• Unique bat-shaped flowers with mouse-ear petals
• Rich velvety purple colour
• Very long flowering season from summer to autumn
• Attractive in mixed borders and naturalistic plantings
• Suitable for cut flowers
• Easy to grow in garden beds or containers
• Also suitable for greenhouse or indoor pot culture

Sowing Instructions

Indoor Sowing

Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost.

1. Sow seeds on the surface of moist, well-drained seed compost.
2. Lightly cover with a very thin layer of soil, as light helps germination.
3. Maintain a temperature of 18–20°C.
4. Germination usually occurs in 8–10 days.
5. Transplant seedlings into 8 cm pots once large enough to handle.
6. Harden off plants and transplant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
7. Plant spacing: approx. 25 cm

Growing Tips

• Prefers rich, moist but well-drained soil.
• Grow in full sun or light partial shade.
• In very hot climates provide light afternoon shade.
• Water regularly during dry periods.
• Suitable for sheltered garden locations.
• Can also be grown in pots, under glass, or as a houseplant.

Garden Use

Borders: unusual flowers add texture and interest
Cut Flowers: long stems and extended flowering period
Containers: decorative summer plant for patios and balconies
Mixed Plantings: intertwines beautifully with neighbouring plant