Cuphea - Allyson

Cuphea 'Allyson' is a vibrant basket stuffer perfect for adding colorful charm to hanging baskets and container gardens. This heat-loving annual features delicate tubular flowers in bright pink-purple hues that bloom continuously throughout the growing season. Commonly known as Mexican Heather or Cigar Plant, Cuphea 'Allyson' attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds while maintaining a compact, mounding habit ideal for mixed plantings. Its resilience in summer heat and drought tolerance make it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance yet visually striking basket stuffers for sunny locations.

Key Features:

- Produces abundant tubular flowers in vivid pink-purple colors that bloom continuously from spring until frost.

- Forms a neat, compact mounding habit reaching 10-12 inches tall and 12-15 inches wide.

- Attracts beneficial pollinators including hummingbirds and butterflies to enhance your garden ecosystem.

- Demonstrates excellent heat and drought tolerance once established, perfect for summer displays.

- Requires minimal maintenance while providing maximum visual impact in hanging baskets and containers.

- Pairs beautifully with other basket stuffers for creating dynamic, cascading arrangements.

Plant Care Instructions:

1. Light Requirements:

- Prefers full sun to partial shade.

- Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.

- Can tolerate afternoon shade in particularly hot climates.

2. Watering:

- Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during establishment.

- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

- Increase watering frequency during hot weather, especially in hanging baskets which dry out quickly.

3. Soil Type:

- Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with moderate organic matter.

- Add compost to improve soil structure and drainage.

- pH range of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for healthy growth.

4. Temperature & Hardiness Zone:

- Hardy to Zone 3b when grown as a summer annual.

- Prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C).

- Protect from frost as this tender perennial will not survive freezing temperatures.

5. Fertilizer:

- Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10).

- Reduce fertilizing to monthly in late summer.

- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which may promote foliage at the expense of flowers.

6. Pruning & Maintenance:

- Pinch young plants to encourage branching and bushier growth.

- No deadheading required as flowers naturally drop and are replaced by new blooms.

- Trim back leggy growth mid-season to rejuvenate the plant if needed.

7. Special Notes:

- Non-toxic to pets and humans, making it safe for family gardens.

- Treat as an annual in Zone 3b; will not survive winter outdoors.

- Can be overwintered indoors in a bright location if desired.