CUP FLOWER

These plants bear tubular flow- ers that flare into saucerlike or bell-like cups. The species listed here grow as a spreading mound or a ground-covering mat. All are covered with blooms during summer. Can be grown as perennials in the Lower South, cool-weather annuals in the Coastal and Tropical South, summer annuals elsewhere.

• Native to the Argenine desert, this species and its primary selection, 'Starry Eyes', endure hot summer, either arid or humid, growing into a mound 10 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
• Plant in sun, with good drainage.
• After the lavender-centered white bells fade, shear for more flowers.
• Perennial in the Lower South, (USDA 8) and warmer.

• To 612 inches high and wide.
• Much-branched, mounding plant with very small, stiff leaves.
• Flowers are blue to violet.
• Trimming back plant after bloom to induce new growth seems to lengthen its life.
• Augusta Blue Skies is a compact hybrid with lavender-blue flowers and improved heat tolerance.
• Plants may surprise you and overwinter in the Middle South, (USDA 7) and warmer.

• Bright green foliage forms a mat to 46 inches high, 2 feet wide.
• White blossoms.
• For best performance, don't crowd it with more aggressive plants.
• Not as heat tolerant as Nierembergia linariifolia.
• However, plants can overwinter in the Middle South, (USDA 7) and warmer.

• Growing 12 feet tall, favorites include 'Purple Robe' and the white 'Mont Blanc', usually sold as Nierembergia hippomanica.
• Plants may overwinter in the Middle South, (USDA 7) and warmer, so cut back, but don't pull them out at summer's end.

• Grows 1012 inches tall and 12 feet wide in both white and blue.
• Tolerant of heat and humidity.