DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF CUPHEA PULCHRA AND CUPHEA SCHUMANNII AS NEW LANDSCAPE ORNAMENTALS

Two species of Cuphea are under examination as new floriculture crops for introduction into the production industry. This research involves the evaluation of Cuphea schumannii, native to Mexico, and Cuphea pulchra, native to Brazil, as landscape ornamentals for temperate regions. Both species are characteristic of the genus as small shrubs bearing tubular, intense orange-red, ribbed flowers. There is little information regarding optimal production conditions for either species. Greenhouse studies were established to assess the species growth and habit under controlled greenhouse conditions as well as to produce information pertinent to commercial use and production. An outdoor bedding trial was conducted beginning May 31, 2001 in Columbus, OH to evaluate the performance of C schumannii and C. pulchra during the summer growing season in a landscape situation. Plants in the trial were over-wintered to assess hardiness in zone 5. Trial plants were evaluated biweekly for overall appearance, flowering, susceptibility to pests, and presence of pollinators. Digital photographs were taken to document trial progress. Both C. schumannii and C. pulchra perform well in the landscape with increasing growth throughout the season, continual flowering, minimal leaf damage by pests, and attracting bee and hummingbird pollinators. We conclude, both Cuphea schumannii and Cuphea pulchra have potential as profitable new floriculture crops.

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