Tinypetal Waxweed
Cuphea micrantha
- Native to:
- Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Leeward Is., Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, United States, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © caiobitu (iNaturalist #356736946)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Lythraceae
- Genus:
- Cuphea
- Species:
- Cuphea micrantha
- USDA Symbol:
- CUMI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 10–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover. Germinates best at 70-75°F.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI