How much sun does Clammy Cuphea need?

Clammy Cuphea grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Clammy Cuphea bloom?

Clammy Cuphea blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Clammy Cuphea native?

Clammy Cuphea (Cuphea petiolata) is native to SC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Clammy Cuphea attract?

Clammy Cuphea draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Is Clammy Cuphea HOA-friendly?

Clammy Cuphea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Clammy Cuphea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cuphea petiolata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Clammy Cuphea (Cuphea petiolata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Highlands Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau

Clammy cuphea is a compact native perennial that produces small tubular flowers from June through September. This low-growing plant works well as a border or groundcover, maintaining a neat mounded form throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Clammy Cuphea is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Unknown winter appearance may affect year-round appeal

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the summer months. This makes it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Common questions

How much sun does Clammy Cuphea need?: Clammy Cuphea grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Clammy Cuphea bloom?: Clammy Cuphea blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Clammy Cuphea native?: Clammy Cuphea (Cuphea petiolata) is native to SC, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Clammy Cuphea attract?: Clammy Cuphea draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Is Clammy Cuphea HOA-friendly?: Clammy Cuphea is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Clammy Cuphea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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