About

Cuphea lanceolata 'Purple Passion' is a bushy subshrub that typically reaches heights of 70 to 80 cm. Its stems are purple and sticky, supporting lanceolate to oval-shaped leaves that can grow up to 8 cm in length and exhibit a mid-green hue. From midsummer through mid-autumn, this plant produces long-flowering, solitary flowers that are velvety dark purple. Each flower features six petals, with two prominent upper petals and four smaller ones.

About the genus

Cuphea includes annuals, perennials, and evergreen shrubs, frequently characterized by sticky hairs. The leaves are arranged oppositely and are simple in structure. The flowers are tubular, featuring a prominent calyx and diminutive petals.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants, Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation
Best grown in well-drained soil in a sheltered site in sun or partial shade but shade from hot sun, needs a frost-free location. Alternatively grow in a pot under glass or as a houseplant
Pruning
Pruning group 10 in spring
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free