Cuphea lanceolata Purple Passion seeds

Cuphea lanceolata 'Purple Passion' is an annual plant that forms a spreading undershrub with purple stems and lanceolate medium green leaves. From July to October, it is covered with curious velvety flowers resembling mouse ears, with 2 large upper petals and 4 smaller ones, dark purple with a cream-white glow. It is suitable for borders and beds, and its long and generous flowering period provides good cut flowers for bouquets. This lovely tropical plant has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Cuphea lanceolata belongs to the Lythraceae family. This annual herbaceous plant is native to northern and central Mexico. It forms an undershrub reaching an average height of 45 to 60 cm. Its sticky, branched stems bear opposite, narrow, lance-shaped or oval, pointed leaves, measuring up to 8 cm long. The solitary tubular flowers are dark lilac or cherry red, with six petals. The two upper petals are large and ear-shaped, while the others are quite small. The flowers are followed by capsules containing several seeds. 'Purple Passion' is a cultivar with purplish violet flowers and a cream-white base, reaching 60 to 80 cm in height. The flowering period extends from mid-summer to mid-autumn.

Cuphea lanceolata 'Purple Passion' prefers rich, well-drained soils in a sheltered location, in non-scorching sun or partial shade. It can be grown in a pot on a veranda or even as an indoor plant in a bright spot. Outdoors, its rapid growth allows it to form an attractive, original and curious as well as ornamental plant in one season. Its velvety flowers, in a rich colour, and its spreading habit combine well with other annuals or biennials or perennials like wallflowers, geraniums and fuchsias in partial shade. The key is to provide it with warmth, non-scorching sun, and not too dry soil.

Attention, seeds reserved for experienced gardeners used to sowing very fine seeds. These seeds are as fine as dust, barely visible to the naked eye.