Cuphea hyssopifolia

They are quite common this year in sheds and nurseries, and are listed as an annual.. however having read up on it, I'm not sure. I think for areas that gets winter temperatures no lower than -8C I think this has the possibility of being a perennial (evergreen above -5C).

It is a true tropical plants, but attains some cold hardiness and prefers a degree of coolness - it might be from quite high altitude in the tropics.

Has anyone had success growing this as a perennial?

I'm thinking it has a chance in my coastal, relatively mild location, where on average winter temperatures drop to -4C (at their lowest).

 

Hi Stephen - sorry you haven't had any replies. It sounds as if you are one step ahead of the rest as we haven't tried it.

I had a quick Google and saw it described as a shrub (which has to be perennial), but can be grown as an annual in colder parts. I would think you have a good chance where you are.

There are lots of interesting Cupheas beyond the more common ignea. I have tried a couple myself and seen other species used as summer bedding. But in Yorkshire we have to take winter seriously.

 

Peter I almost got C. Ignea through a winter a few years ago... In fact I did, it staed evergreen, but died in Spring. In general Cupheas have interesting flowers although I should look for more hardy versions!

Marley I always used to lose plants when attempting to cover them, thy usually rotted, even fairly hardy stuff.. Ive come to realise that fleece on the odd cold night is a better proposition now - takes more work though!

Yes im the same, I bagged a cheap Jasminum polyanthum today tht will be planted under the carport!