Family Lythraceae (ly-THRAY-see-ee) Genus Cuphea (KYOO-fee-uh) Species melvillea (mel-VIL-ee-nuh) Synonym
Category Perennials Height 4-6 ft. Spacing 4-6 ft. Sun Exposure Sun to Partial Shade Bloom Color Orange, Bright Yellow Bloom Time Mid Spring, Mid Fall Foliage Evergreen - will die back with frost
Hardiness Zone 7a to 0 F Zone 7b to 5 F Zone 8a to 10 F Zone 8b to 15 F
Zone 9a to 20 F Zone 9b to 25 F
Soil pH Requirements 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Water Requirements Drought tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Pruning Instructions Remove spent bloom stalks
Propagation Methods From woody stem cuttings From softwood cuttings
Seed Collecting Unknown
Other Details Attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds
Freezing Temps by Year: 2009-2010 Year: Freezing temps 12/09 & 01/10 * moderate winter 2010-2011 Year: Freezing temps 01/11 & 02/11 * moderate winter 2011/2012 Year: Freezing temps 12/11 & 01/12 * mild winter 2012/2013 Year: Freezing temps 12/12 & 01/13 *very mild winter
