This small sub-shrub is often grown as an annual and forms a low rounded bushy habit. It has mid-green lanced-shape leaves and the red tube-shaped flowers flare to reveal the purple calyces and appear in a raceme during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Cuphea Ilavea is naturally found in North America growing in Mexico in well drained fertile moist sandy to clay loams in an open sunny to semi shaded position and is drought and frost tender.

This attractive small shrub is grown for its colourful flowers. It is planted in small gardens along borders or used in rockeries in warm climates for autumn colour. In cool climates it may be used as an indoor plant or glasshouse specimen and is fast growing, establishing in one season.

Cuphea(KEW-fee-a) Ilavea (e-LAV-ea)

Lythraceae (ly-THRAY-see-ee)
Loosestrife, Pomegranate, Water Chestnut, Crepe Myrtle, Mangrove Apple